
BookJTA^. 




Joseph Warren. 







Nathaniel Greene. 



PICTORIAL HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

FROM Tll^fl. EARLIEST DISCOVERIES, 

BY 

THE NORTHMEN, IN THE TENTH CENTURY, 

TO THE PRESENT TIME: 

COMPRISING A DESCRIPTION OF THE ABORIGINES, THEIR MANNERS, 

CUSTOMS AND ANTIQUITIES; AND A FULL ACCOUNT OF 

THE WESTERN STATES, THEIR SETTLEMENTS, 

RAPID PROGRESS, ETC. 

/ 

BY R . THOMAS, A . I\I . 




Capture of Aialre. 



ILLUSTRATED WITH TWO HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS. 



HARTFORD: 
PUBLISHED BY E. STRONG. 

184G. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1844, 

BY EZRA STRONG, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut 



Bc^.z^O'oo. 



STEREOTVPED BV 

GEORGE A. CURTIS, 

NEW ENGLAND TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY, BOSTON. 



P 



'\^^ 



PREFACE 



The present work has been undertaken, to supply 
what has appeared to the author an important desid- 
eratum in American Hterature. Readers have long felt 
the want of a history of the United States, executed in 
a shape essentially different from any Avork yet placed 
in their hands ; namely, a volume at once comprehensive, 
accurate, and full, yet comprised within such moderate 
limits as to give it the advantage of cheapness. We have 
already many histories of the United States, all more or 
less valuable. But those which contain tjie proper fulness 
of narrative, are too bulky to be afforded at a moderate 
price ; and in those of smaller dimensions, it will be found 
that so many considerable portions of American history 
have been passed over without notice, and so many 
highly interesting topics either entirely neglected or dis- 
missed with a brief and superficial allusion, that they are 
very little serviceable to a reader who wishes for a clear 
and comprehensive notion of his subject. Another objec- 
tion to most works of this nature has been the harshness 
of their style, the dryness of their details in unimportant 
matters, and the general deficiency of spirit and pictur- 
esqueness in the narrative. 

The author of the present volume has aimed, in his 

1# 



VI PREFACE. 

performance, to produce something which shall be found 
free from the above defects. It has been his intention, 
throughout, to make the work serviceable in the highest 
degree, both as a school-book and as a volume adapted to 
the fireside and the student's closet; to relate everything 
necessary to be known in the history of our country, with 
the utmost accuracy in the narrative and precision in the 
dates ; and, at the same time, to preserve those interesting 
details, anecdotes, and illustrations, which constitute the 
life and soul of history, and without which such a work 
as this would become little better than a chronological 
table, or a dry and dull compilation of annals, difficult to 
read, and impossible to remember. 

As a necessary introduction to the work, it has been 
judged requisite to give a pretty copious account of the 
original inhabitants of the western continent, and of the 
earliest conquests and settlements by other nations than 
the English, both in North and South America. It is 
believed that the present History comprises a more com- 
plete and accurate body of facts, in relation to the history 
of the United States and its subsidiary topics, than any 
volume of its size that has yet made its appearance among 
us. A plain and intelligible style of narration has been 
observed throughout the performance ; and the sentiments 
and moral reflections which occasionally fall from the pen 
of the narrator, will, we trust, be found true to virtue, 
patriotism, and philanthropy. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER 1. 

The Aborioines or America. — Extent of the American aboriginal race — 
Speculations as to their origin — Identity of origin among all mankind 
— First peopling of America — Proximity of the. old to the new continent — 
Comparative antiquity of the eastern and western races — Date of the 
original peopling of America — Native origin of American civilization — 
Want of connection in the aboriginal histories of North and South 
America — Antiquity of the Mexican annals — Primitive American legis- 
lators — Asiatic origin of the American race — Ancient American tribes — 
The Toltecs — Their migration from the northwest — The Chechemecas 
— The Aztecs — Legend of Quetzalcoatl — Foundation of Mexico — Cosmo- 
gony and religion of the Mexicans — Toltec tribes in the United States- 
Traditions of these people, 19 

CHAPTER II. 

Aborigines of America. — Different races of the Mexican conquerors- 
Origin of the custom of human sacrifices — Contrast with the Peruvians 
— Foundation of Mexico — Civilization of the Mexican people — Antiquities 
of Mexico — Destruction of the INIexican cities by the Spaniards — Popu- 
lation of the empire — Ancient ruins in Mexico — Palenque — Zacatecas — 
Copan — XJxmal — Chi-chen — Zayi, ....... 29 

CHAPTER III. 

Aborigines of America. — ^Varieties of the native Americans — North Ameri- 
can Indians — General description — The Esquimaux — The Blackfoot 
Indians — The Knisteneau.x — The Blandans — their dances — The Indian 
"medicine " charm — Mandan cemeteries — The Camanches — their expert 
horsemanship — The Chippeways — The Sioux — their ornamented cradles 
— The Kaskaskias — Indian robes — South American Indians — The Peru- 
vians — The Araucanians — The Abipones — The Patagonians — extrava- 
gant stories respecting their enormous stature — Present state of these 
Indians — The Fuegians — their wretched life and barbarous manners — 
Horrible cannibalism of these savages, ... . . 40 

CHAPTER IV. 

Discoveries and Conquests of the Spaniards. — Ideas of the ancients 
respecting a western continent — Tradition of the Welsh in America — 
Di-scovery of America by the Northmen — Colony of Northmen in Rhode 
Island — Columbus — His projects of discovery— His efforts at the Spanish 
court — He is patronized by Queen Isabella — He discovers America — 
Notions of the Spaniards respecting India — Tobacco discovered in Cuba 



Vm CONTENTS 

• — Return of Columbus — Exultation of the Spaniards — Second voyage of 
Columbus — Settlement made in the West India islands — Third voyage 
of Columbus — Discovery of the continent — Columbus arrested and sent 
to Spain — His fourth voyage — Ingratitude of the Spanish court toward 
Columbus — His death — Voyage and artifices of Amerigo Vespucci — Bal- 
boa discovers the South Sea — Invasion of Blexico by Cortez — He burns 
his ships and penetrates into the interior — Behavior of the Emperor Mon- 
tezuma — The Spaniards enter the city of Mexico — Captivity and death 
of Montezuma— Disasters of the Spaniards — Siege and capture of Mexico 
■ — Subjugation of the whole empire — Conquest of Guatimala, , . 54 

CHAPTER V. - 

Discoveries and Conquests of the Spaniards. — Expedition of the Span- 
iards into the South Sea — Invasion of Peru by Pizarro and Almagro — 
Civil war in Peru— Intrigues of Pizarro — Negotiations between Atahualpa 
and Pizarro — Arrival of the Spaniards at Caxamalca — Treachery of 
Pizarro — Atahualpa seized by the Spaniards — Cruelties of the Spaniards 
— They subjugate and plunder the whole country — Expeditions to Chili, 
La Plata and Paraguay — Extirpation of the natives in the West Indies — 
Las Casas — Importation of negroes from Africa — Expedition of Ponce de 
Leon — Discovery of Florida — The Fountain of Youth — Invasion of 
Florida by Soto — Adventures of the Spaniards — The Indian princess, 
Cofachiqui — The temple of Tolomeco — The Cacique Tascaluza — Bloody 
battle of Mauvila — The Spaniards cross the Mississippi — Death of Soto — 
Suflerings and losses of the Spaniards — They abandon Florida, . 71 

CHAPTER VI. 

Discovery of the United States. — Voyage of the Cabots — Discovery of 
North America — Voyage of Cortereal — Voyage of Verazzani — Discovery 
of the whole coast of the United States — Voyage of Cartier — Discoveiy 
of the river St. Lawrence — Cartier ascends the river to Montreal — Expe- 
dition ol' Iiobcrval to Canada — Failure of the early attempts of the French 
at colonization, .......... 80 

C PI AFTER VII. 

Settlement of Virginia. — Sir Walter Raleigh's attempts to colonize Vir- 
ginia — Voyage of Amidas and Barlow to North Carolina— Voyage of 
Grenville— Settlement at Roanoke — Prospects of gold in Virginia — The 
settlement abandoned — New colony at Ruunokc, and its disastrous fate — 
Voyage of Newport and Gosnold — Captain Smith — Settlement of James- 
town — Sullbiings of the colonists — Smith appointed to the command — 
His able conduct — Intrigues in the colony — Smith taken prisoner by the 
Indians — His life saved by Pocahontas — Vicissitudes of the settlers — • 
Reinforcements arrive from England — Gold dust supposed to be dis- 
covered — Dust and cedar shipped from Virginia to England — Smith 
explores the waters of the Chesapeake — Indians from Canada arrive in 
the neighborhood — New charter of Virginia — New arrival of settlers — 
Lord Delaware appointed governor — Shipwreck of Sir George Somers on 
the island of Bermudas, 88 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Settlement of Virginia. — Government of Smith — Hostilities of the Indians 
— Smith departs for England — The " Starving Tune " — Despair of the 
colonists — Arrival of supplies from England — New charter of Virginia — 



CONTENTS. IX 

Capture of Pocahontas — Pacification with the savages — Use of tobacco in 
England — Administration of Argal — Yeardley's administration —A colo- 
nial assembly convoked — Emigration of females to Virginia — Trans- 
portation of convicts — Introduction of negro slavery — Virginia obtains a 
constitution — Conspiracy of Opechancanough — Massacre of the settlers — • 
The British government become jealous of the Virginians — Grievances 
of the colonists — Indian wars — Bacon's rebellion — Conduct of Governor 
Berkeley — Temporary pacification — Vacillation of the governor — Re- 
newal of the troubles — Convention of Midiile Plantations — Further hos- 
tilities — Jamestown burnt — Sudden death of Bacon, and end of the 
rebellion — The royal authority restored — Disastrous consequences of 
these events to the Virginians, 105 

CHAPTER IX. 

Settlement of New England. — Rise of the Puritans in England — Their 
emigration to Holland — They resolve to emigrate to America — Sail iVoni 
England — Their arrival at Cape Cod — Formation of a political compact — 
Landing at Plymouth — Hardships endured by them — Death of Governor 
Carver — Government of Mr. Bradford — Treaty with the Indian sachem, 
Massasoit — Scarcity of food in the colony — Severe drought, and provi- 
dential relief — Origin of the New England thanksgivings — Foundation 
of the Massachusetts colony— Settlement of Salem — Arrival of Governor 
Winthrop — Boston founded — Suffierings of the colonists — Severe frosts — 
Foundation of the New England churches — Attempts of the king to 
check emigration to New England, . . . . .121 

CHAPTER X. 

Settlement of New England. — Discovery of Connecticut river — Dispute 
with the Dutch — First settlement of Connecticut — Fort Good Hope erected 
by the Dutch — Quarrel between the Dutch and the Plymouth men — 
Settlement of Hartford and Wethersfield by the English — Expedition of 
Hooker — Sufferings of the colonists — Lords Say and Seal — Charter lor 
Connecticut — Breaking out of the Pequod war — Murder of Mr. Oldham — 
Expedition of the English against the Pequods — Barbarities of the savages 
— Mason's expedition — Alliance with the Narragansets — The forces 
march against the Pequods — Attack of the Indian fort at Mystic — Defeat 
and slaughter of the Pequods — General joy of the colony — Remarkable 
circumstances attending the victory, 131 

CHAPTER XI, 

Settlement of New England. — Consternation and flight of the Pequods — 
Release of captives by the Dutch — Prosecution of the Pequod war — Cap- 
ture of Pequods at Fairfield — Defeat and dispersion of the enemy — 
Treaty with Uncas and Miantoniinoh — Total extirpation of the Pequods 
— Pacification of the colonies — Connecticut frames a constitution — Foun- 
dation of New Haven, 149 

CHAPTER XII. 

Settlement of New England. — New Hampshire explored by Captain 
Smith — Settlements made by Gorges and Mason — Portsmouth founded — 
Union of the colony with Massachusetts — Rf)ger Williams in Massachu- 
setts — Settlement of Rhode Island — Anne Hutchinson and her adherents 
remove to Rhode Island — the colony obtains a ciiarter — Maine — Settle- 
ments on the Kennebec — Charter of Gorges — Union of Maine with 



X CONTENTS. 

Massachusetts — The English conquer New Netherlands — Attempt of 
Andros on Connecticut — State of religion in the colonies — Persecution of 
Quakers — Manners and customs — Commerce — Arts, manufactures, and 
education, ' . . .' 157 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Settlement or New England. — Philip's war — Attack of Swanzey — Expe- 
dition of Captain Hutchinson against the Narragansets — Action of 
Pocasset — Fhght of Philip to the Nipmucks — Attack of Brookfield by the 
Indians — Attack of Hadley and Deerfield — Defeat of Captain Lathrop — 
Indian war in New Hampshire — Governor Winslow marches against 
PhiliiT — Attack of Philip's stronghold — Defeat of the savages — Flight, 
adventures and deatli of Philip — Sullerings and losses of the colonists — 
War with the eastern tribes — Interference of the English ministry in the 
government of JMassacluisetts — Adventures of the regicides. Gotle. 
Whalley and Dixwell, in New England — Condition of the Indians — John 
Eliot, the Indian apostle. ........ 109 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Settleme.vt of New England. — Revocation of the charter of Massa- 
ciiusetts — Alarm of the inhabitants — Andros appointed governor — His 
tyninnical proceedings in Massachusetts — He assumes the government 
i.I' Rhode Island — He attempts to seize the charter of Connecticut — The 
charter oak — Oppressions ot Andros' government — He is made governor 
of New York — The Bostonians rise in insurrection and depose Andros — 
Enthusiasm of the people — Andros expelled the country — The charter 
governments restored — Fletcher, governor of New York, attempts to 
assume the military command in Connecticut — Resistance of the jieople 
— Barbarities of the French and Imlian war — Savnge murder of Major 
Waldron — Attack of Haverhill — Adventures of ]\Irs. Dusiau — Second 
French and Indian war — Attack and plunder of Deerfield — Captivity 
and adventures of I\Irs. Williams — Expedition of the New England 
colonies against Nova Scotia and Canada — Disasters in the St. Lawrence 
— Peace of Utrecht, 181 

CHAPTER XV. 

Settlement of New Engl.wd. — Witchcraft — Delusion on this subject in 
Euro]ie — The Salem Wuchcraft — Witches at Boston — First execution for 
this olfence — Origin of the tionbles at Salem — Cause of the rapid increase 
of the imposture — Credulity of the public — Depravity of some of the per- 
sons concerned — Consternation of the people — Practice of confession and 
lis etfects — Absurdities published by the bewitcheil persons — Cotton 
blather a cliampion of the doctrine of witchcraft — Trial and execution of 
the witches — Progress of the delusion — Robert Calef writes against the 
imposture — Change in the popular mind — Arrival of the new charter — 
Reorganization ot" the courts — Decline and end of the delusion — Conduct 
of the chief instruments in these singular atl'airs, .... 200 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Settle.ment of the INIiddle and Southern States. — New York — Influence 
of the Dutch in the colonizaiion of the United Stales — Voyage of Henry 
Hudson to the polar regions — Hudson enters the Dutch service — His 
voyage to America — Discovery of the Delaware — Hudson enters the 
bay of New York — He discovers the river Hudson — Returns to Europe 
■ — His last voyage — Settlement of New Netherlands by the Dutch — New 



CONTENTS. XI 

York and Albany founded — Settlements on the Delaware — Colonization 
of New Jersey by the Dutch and Swedes — Settlements in Delaware — 
Maryland colonized by Calvert — Clayborne's rebellion — Indian war — ■ 
Settlement of North and South Carolina — William Penn leads a colony 
into Pennsylvania, and founds Philadelphia — Popular government in 
Pennsylvania — Colonization of Georgia — Disputes with the Dutch at 
New Netherlands — Conquest of that province by the English — Vicissi- 
tudes of the colony, 208 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Settlement of the Middle and Southern States. — New York — Leisler's 
rebellion — Duplicity of James II. — Discontent of the people of New York 
— The government of the colony delivered up to Andros — Invasion of 
England by the Prince of Orange, and accession of William and Mary — 
Nicholson, the lieutenant-governor, refuses to acknowledge their authority 
— Leisler heads a revolt — The fort captured — Flight of Nicholson to 
England — Conduct of JMassachusetts and Connecticut — The royalists 
retire to Albauy — Leisler assumes the government — Dispersion of his 
enemies — Intrigues of Nicholson in England — Appointment of Governor 
Sloughter — Leisler's firmness — Arrival of Sloughter — Leisler's impolitic 
behavior — His capture, trial and execution — Final results of the rebel- 
lion. 218 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Colonial Governments. — New York — Origin of the "Negro Plot" — 
Intrigues of the Spaniards — Unquiet condition of the slaves — Troubles in 
New York — Panic of 1741 — Apprehensions of a plot — Arrest of suspected 
persons — The Spanish negroes — General alarm — Confessions extorted 
• from the prisoners — Trials and executions — Violence of the law officers 
— Alarm on the subject of popery — Trial and execution of Uiy, the 
Catholic — Alarm of a plot on Long Island — Progress and character of 
the delusion — Remarks on domestic slavery, .... 224 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Indian Wars at the South. — Disaffection of the Tuscaroras — Settlements 
of the Palatines — Capture of De Graflenreid and Lawson — Murder of 
Lawson — War with the Tuscaroras and Corees — Devastation of North 
Carolina — Expedition against the enemy on the Neuse — Internal dis- 
sensions in North Carolina — Pacification — Renewal of the war — Deplor- 
able state of the count r}' — Divisions among the Tuscaroras — Bloore's 
expedition — Defeat of the Indians — The Tuscaroras expelled from the 
country and join the Five Nations of New York — Revival of trade in 
North Carolina — Condition of the Indian tribes — War with the Yamas- 
sees — General confederacy of the Indians — JMassacre at Pocotaligo and 
Goose Creek — Expedition of Governor Craven— Battle ol the Salkehatchie 
— Defeat and expulsion of the Yamassees — Revolution in Carolina — The 
colony made a royal province — Insurrection of the slaves, . . 235 

CHAPTER XX. 

The Colonial Governments. — Extension of the settlements along the coast 
of the United States — The French on lake Champlain — First settlement 
in Vermont — Population in the middle and southern states — Labors of 
Bishop Berkeley in favor of the American colonies — Schools, colleges, 
newspapers — Tendencies of the colonies towards union — Aiiticipated 



Xii CONTENTS. 

taxation of the colonies — Policy of the English government with regard 
10 manufactures — The slave-trade — Efforts for the continuance and 
extension of it made by the government and people of England — Slavery 
excluded from Georgia — Emigration of Moravians to Georgia — Settle- 
ment of Ebenezer — Wesley and Whitefield in America . . 241 

CHAPTER XXI. 

French Discoveries and Settlements in America. — Voyage of De Monts 
— Settlement of Acadia and Canada — Adventures of Champlain among 
the Indians — Discovery of the great lakes — Vicissitudes of the French 
colonies — Expedition to the west by Joliet and Marquette — Adventures 
among the Indians — Discovery of the Mississippi — Voyage down that 
river — Return to Canada — Other expeditions of the French to the west 
and south, . . . . - 252 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — La Salle's second 
expedition and death — Fate of the colony at St. Bernard — Punishment of 
the murderers of La Salle — Colony on the Arkansas — Singular death of 
Marquette — Jealousy of the Spaniards — Settlements made by them in 
Florida — Expedition of Ibberville to Louisiana — Intercourse with the 
savages — Ibberville ascends the JMississippi— Establishes a settlement at 
Biloxi — War with the Chickasaws — Arrival of French missionaries in 
Louisiana — Proposed emigration from Carolina — Bienville appointed lieu- 
tenant commandant — Mining schemes of the French — Intercourse with 
the Natchez — Expedition in search of mines. .... 265 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — Establishment of 
the French at Mobile — War with England — Siege of St. Augustine and 
Pensacola — Hostilities between the Choctaws and Chickasaws — Massa- 
cres by the savages — Abandonment of the settlements on the Illinois — 
Plunder of Isle au Daupliiue by a buccaneer — La Motte, governor of 
Louisiana — Encroachments by the English of Carolina — Expedition of 
the French to the Wabash — IMissions among the savages — L'Epignai, 
governor of Louisiana — Foundation of New Orleans — War with Spain — 
Pensacola taken by the French — Slaves imported into Louisiana — Recap- 
ture of Pensacola — Second capture of Pensacola by the French — Expe- 
dition of Bernard de La Harpe to the interior — Description of the Indian 
tribes, 277 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — Activity of the 
French adventurers — Unproductiveness of the colony of Louisiana — The 
patent of the colony granted to the Mississippi company — Law's cele- 
brated Mississippi scheme — E fleet of it upon Louisiana — Massacres com 
mitted by the French upon the Natchez tribe — Plot of the Indians — 
Massacres and devastations retorted upon the French — War between the 
Natchez and the Chickasaws — The Natchez submit to the French — 
Total extirpation of that tribe — The French make war upon the Chick- 
asaws — Ill-success of the French in their campaign against the Indians 
— Peace with the Chickasaws — General description of the colonists of 
Louisiana, 287 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

CHAPTER XXV. 

French and Indian Wars. — Jealousy between the French and English 
colonies — Hostilities of the savages towards the English — Intrigues of 
the French in Canada — Father Ralle — Incursions of the Norridgewock 
Indians — Expedition of Captain Westbrook — Flight of Kalle — Expe- 
dition of Moulton and Harman — Attack upon the Indians at Teconet — 
Defeat of the Indians, and death of Ralle — Barbarities of the English — 
Paugus, chief of the Pequawkets — Expedition to Salmon Fall river — 
Lovewell's expedition — Battle between the forces of Paugus and Lovc- 
•well — Death of Lovewell — The Androscoggin and Pequawket Indians 
abandon the country — War between England and France — Expedition 
against Cape Breton — Capture of Louisburg — Exertions of the French 
government — End of the war, 295 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

French and Indian Wars. — Renewal of the war between Great Britain and 
France — Transactions with the Indians on the Ohio — Washington's 
embassy to the Ohio — Adventures on his return — Washington appointed 
to a command in the army — Marches against the French and Indians — 
Affair of the Red Stones — Washington builds Fort Necessity — He is 
attacked by Count Villiers — Evacuates the fort — Braddock's expedition 
— Imprudence and rashness of the British general — Defeat and death of 
Braddock — Retreat of the army — Shirley's expedition to Canada — Battle 
near lake George — Death of Colonel Williams — Retreat of Dieskau — ■ 
Battle of French Mountain — Indian incursions — Lord Loudon com- 
mander-in-chief — Loss of Oswego — Departure of the British army — 
Imbecility of Lord Loudon, 305 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

French and Indian Wars. — Mi-sconduct of the British commander in Amer- 
ica — Montcalm in Canada — Expedition of Colonel Parker against Ticon- 
deroga — Miscarriage of the undertaking — The French besiege Fort 
William Henry — Inactivity of General Webb — Surrender of Fort William 
Henry — Perfidy and barbarity of the French and Indians — Alarm of the 
colonies — Disastrous end of the campaign of 1757 — Extension of the war 
between the English and French — Change of ministry in England — Mr. 
Pitt prime minister — His projects for the war in America — Efforts of the 
colonies — Expedition of Boscawen and Amherst against Cape Breton — 
Siege and capture of Louisburg, 315 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

French and Indian Wars. — Expedition of General Abercromble against 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point — Death of Lord Howe — Attack of Ticon- 
deroga — Failure of the expedition and retreat of the army — Imbecility of 
General Abercrombie — Capture of Fort Frontenac by Colonel Bradstreet 
— Expedition of General Forbes against Fort Du Quesne — The French 
abandon the fort — Close of the campaign of 1759 — Success of the British 
army — Campaign of 1759 — New invasion of Canada — Expeditions of 
Amherst, Prideaux and Sir William John.son — Capture of Niagara by the 
British — Expedition against Quebec — Attack on the city by General 
Wolfe — Death of Wolfe and surrender of Quebec — Capture of Montreal 
— Final acquisition of Canada, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton by Great 
Britain, . 327 



XlV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

American Revolution. — Slate of feeling among the North American colo- 
nists — Loyalty of the Americans — Ertect of the peace of Paris — Political 
privileges of the colonies — Sclieme for taxing the Americans — Resolu- 
tions of the House of Commons — Imposition of duties on imports — Penal 
enactments — Remonstrances of the colonists — Scheme for a stamp act — 
Opposition in the House of Commons— Speech of Colonel Barre — The 
stamp act passed — Franklin's remark upon the stamp act — Consternation 
in America — General disaflection of the colonies — Resolutions in the 
legislature of Virginia — Speech of Patrick Henry — Combination among 
the colonies — Excitement on the subject of the stamp act — T)isturbances 
at Boston — Atiairs in Connecticut and the southern colonies — Stamped 
paper burnt at New York — General opposition to the stamp act — Discon- 
tent in England — Speech of Lord Chatham in parliament — Repeal of the 
stamp act — Farther designs of the British government — The tea tax — 
Proceedings in Massachusetts — Convention at Boston — British troops 
sent to Boston — Non-importation league — Boston Massacre — Discovery 
of the Hutchinson letters — Great excitement at Boston — Arrival of the 
tea ships — Ferment at Boston — Destruction of the tea, . . . 339 

CHAPTER XXX, 

American Revolution. — Indignation of the British government at the 
destruction of the tea — Boston port-bill — General Gage governor of 
Massachusetts — The Quebec bill — General congress at Philadelphia — 
Further encroachments of the British in Massachusetts — Gage fortifies 
Boston Neck — General court at Concord — Outrage in Boston — Occur- 
rences in Rhode Island and New Hampshire — Efforts of Lord Chatham 
and Dr. Franklin in behalf of the colonies — Gage's expedition to Salem 
— Exasperation of the people of Massachusetts — Battle of Lexington — 
Provincial congress in Massachusetts — Capture of Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point — Movements of the British at Boston — Battle of Bunker 
Hill, .366 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Siege of Boston — Perfidy of 
General Gage — Howe assumes the command — Siege of Boston — Burning 
of Falmouth — Confederation of the colonies — Sufferings of the inhabitants 
of Boston — Bombardment of the town — The Americans occupy Dorches- 
ter Heights — Evacuation of Boston by the British — Expedition of Sir 
Peter Parker against South Carolina — Defeat of the British at Charleston 
— Declaration of Independence — British expedition to New York — Battle 
of Long Island — Retreat of the Americans — Capture of New York — 
Disasters of the Americans — Conquest of the Jerseys, . . . 388 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

American Revolution. — Project for the invasion of Canada by the Ameri- 
cans — Extraordinary inarch of Arnold through the woods of Maine — 
Expedition of Montgomery against Canada — Capture of Montreal — 
Siege and attack of Quebec — Death of INIontgomery — Perseverance of 
Arnold — Evacuation of Canada by the Americans — Desperate condition 
of the American camp — Fortitude and resolution of Washington — Cap- 
tur»^of the Hessians at Trenton — Affair of Princeton — Successful move- 
ments of Washington — The British expelled from the Jerseys, . . 406 



CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

, MERicAN Revolution. — Labors of congress — Continental currency — Rava- 
ges committed by the British — Tryon's expedition to Connecticut — 
Adventures of Putnam — Campaign in the Jerseys — Expedition of the 
British against Philadelphia — Battle of Brandywine — Capture of Phila- 
delphia — Battle of Germantown — The army at Valley Forge — Anecdote 
of Lydia Darrah — Campaign in the north — Burgoyne's expedition — Cap- 
ture of Ticonderoga — Siege of Fort Stanwix — Defeat of Herkimer — 
Stratagem of the Americans — Murder of Miss M'Crea — Burgoyne's 
advance — Battle of Bennington — Gates commander of the northern army 
— Battle of Stillwater — Retreat of Burgoyne to Saratoga — Surrender of 
Burgoyne, 424 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

American Revolution. — Effects of the capture of Burgoyne in Europe — 
Astonishment and mortification of the British — Opposition in parliament 
—Obstinacy of the ministry — Treaty of alliance with France — War 
between France and England — Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British 
— Battle of Monmouth — Arrival of a French fleet in America — Campaign 
in Rhode Island — Ravages of the British — Anecdotes of the war— Thomas 
Paine — Intrigues of the British — Massacre at Wyoming — Surprise and 
massacre of Colonel Baylor's regiment — Savage warfare in Pennsylvania 
— Campaign in Georgia — Capture of Savannah by the British — Invasion 
of South Carolina— Peril of Charleston — Georgia overrun by the British 
— They retreat from Charleston — Devastations of the British in Vir- 
ginia, . . 448 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

American Revolution. — Tryon's marauding expedition to Connecticut — 
New Haven plundered — Barbarities of the British — Capture of Stony 
Point — Sullivan's expedition against the Indians — Exploits of PaulJones 
— Failure of the expedition to the Penobscot — War in the south — Arrival 
of D'Estaing's fleet— Siege of Savannah — Repulse of the French and 
Americans — Death of Pulaski — Gallant exploit of Colonel White — The 
British evacuate Rhode Island— Clinton invades South Carolina — Siege 
of Charleston — Surrender of the town — Defeat of Colonel Buford at the 
Waxhaws — General Gates appointed to the command in the south — Par- 
tisan war of Marion and Sumter — Knypliausen's excursion to New 
Jersey — Arrival of a French fleet and army, under DeTieriiay and 
Rochambeau — Lord Cornwallis in South Carolina — Battle of Camden — 
Disasters of the Americans — Cornwallis threatens North Carolina — 
Colonel Furguson's expedition to the north — Defeat of the British at 
King's Mountain — Atrocities of the war — Imprisonment and escape of 
General Wadsworth, 471 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

American Revolution. — Treason of Arnold — Cajiture and execution of 
Andre — Adventures of Sergeant-Major Champe — Arnold's invasion of 
Virginia — His marauding expedition to Connecticut — Capture of New 
London — Catastrophe of Fort Griswold — Revolt of the Pennsylvania line 
— Foreign relations of the United States — A flairs in Florida and Louisi- 
ana — Capture of Mr. Laurens — Mission of John Adams to Holland, 491 



JCvi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXXVII 

American Revolution. — Campaign in the south — General Greene appointed 
to the command of the southern army — March of Cornwallis to North 
Carolina — Battle of Cowpens — Defeat of Pill's tory regiment — Greene's 
retreat to Virginia — Battle of Guilford — March of Comwallis to Virginia 
— Clinton sends troops to the Chesapeake — Battle between Green and 
Rawdon — Devastations of the British in Virginia — Manoeuvres of Steuben 
and La Fayette — bold stratagem of General Wayne — Greene's move- 
ments in South Carolina — Battle of Eutaw Springs — War in Virginia — 
Comwallis fortifies himself in Yorktown — Washington's dexterous ma- 
noeuvres — Arrival of De Grasse's French fleet — Battle between De Grasse 
and Admiral Graves — Siege of Yorktown — Surrender of Comwallis — 
Campaign of Greene and Wayne in the south — Expulsion of the British 
from the Carolinas and Georgia, 510 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

American Revolution. — Obstinacy of George III. — Effects of the surrender 
of Comwallis — Opposition in parliament^ — Change of ministry — Sir Guy 
Carleton appointed to the command in America — Negotiations at Paris — ■ 
Peace between the United States and Great Britain — General pacification 
in America and Europe — Treatment of American prisoners by the British 
— The Jersey prison-ship — Depreciation of the continental currency — 
Discontents of the army — Mutiny of the Pennsylvania line — Outrage 
committed upon congress — Decisive measures of Washington — The army 
disbanded — Washington resigns his commission, .... 530 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

The Confederation. — Washington retires to private life — State of the 
country — Defects of the old confederation — Embarrassments after the 
termination of the war — Foundation of the Order of Cincinnati — Trouble 
in the Eastern States — Insurrection of Shays — The militia of Massa- 
chusetts raised — Afl'air of Springfield — Defeat of the insurgents — Tran- 
quillity restored — Plan for a new federal government — Convention of 
Philadelphia — Formation of the Federal Constitution — Washington elected 
president — His tour through the country — Hamilton's financial system 
— United States Bank established — Vermont admitted into the Union 
— First census — Indian war — Defeat of St. Clair — Wayne's campaign — 
Defeat of the Indians — Treaty of Grenville — The Whiskey Insurrection 
in Pennsylvania — Commencement of the French Revolution — Arrival of 
Genet in the United States — His extraordinary behavior and recall — 
Jay's treaty — Adams elected president — Hostility of the French Directory 
— Capture of the Insurgente — Peace with France — Death of Wash- 
ington, . . 540 

CHAPTER XL. 

Jefferson's Administration. — Purchase of Louisiana — Commercial affairs 
— War with Tripoli — Destruction of the frigate Philadelphia — March of 
General Eaton from Egypt — Capture of Derne — Peace with Tripoli — 
Aflairs with Spain — Burr's conspiracy — Reelection of Jefferson — Trou- 
bles with Great Britain — Attack on the Chesapeake — Singular effects of 
this outrage — Depredations upon American commerce — Paper blockades — 
Napoleon's Berlin decree — The British orders in council — Mr. Jefferson's 
gun boat system — The embargo — Non-intercourse with England — Madi- 
son elected president — Erskine's mission — Affair of the President and 
Little Belt — Revocation of the Berhn and Milan decrees and the British 
orders in council, 556 



CONTENTS. XVJl 



CHAPTER XLI. 



Settlemekt of the Western States. — Expedition of Daniel Boone to 
Kentucky — Henderson's expedition — Indian wars — Battle of Blue Licks 
— Emigration to the west — Settlement of Tennessee — Settlement of Ohio 
— Purchase of Indian lands — Expedition of Lewis and Clarke — Intrigues 
of the British among the Indians — Hostility of Blue Jacket and Tecumseh 
— Impostures and intrigues of the prophet — Treaty of the Wabash — Nego- 
tiations with Tecumseh — Confederacy of the Indian tribes against the 
United States — Indian murders and robberies — General Harrison marches 
against the Indians — Battle of Tippecanoe — Defeat and dispersion of the 
enemy — Flight of the prophet, . . . . • . . . 572 

CHAPTER XLII. 

War of 1812. — Relations with Great Britain — Bad faith of the British 
cabinet — Impressment of American seamen — Affair of John Henry — 
Party dissensions — Declaration of war with Great Britain — Mob at Balti- 
more — Cruise of Commodore Rogers — Chase of the Constitution — Cap- 
ture of the Guerriere — Capture of the Alert — Capture of the Macedonian 
— Capture of the Frolic — Capture of the Java — Exultation of the Amer- 
icans—Military operations by land — Errors of the cabinet — Campaign of 
General Hull — Invasion of Canada — Capture of Mackinaw by the British 
— Surrender of Hull's army — Harrison's march — Capture of Fort De- 
fiance — War on the Niagara frontier — Dearborn's armistice — Attack on 
Queenstown — Misconduct of the New York militia — Affairs on the lakes 
— End of the campaign of 1812 — Meeting of congress — Negotiations for 
peace — Reelection of IMr. Madison, 595 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

Wak of 1812. — Harrison's winter campaign — Ma.ssacre at the River Raisin 
— Affairs on Lake Ontario — Capture of York— Death of General Pike — 
Capture of Fort George — Disaster at Stony Creek and Beaver Dam — 
Attack on Sackett's Harbor — War on the Atlantic coast — Devastations 
of the British in the Chesapeake — Bombardment of Lewistown — Cock- 
burn's marauding expedition — Capture of the Peacock — Loss of the 
frigate Chesapeake — Loss of the Argus — Capture of the Boxer — Loss of 
the Essex — War in the west — Defence of Sandusky by Major Croghan — 
Perry's victory on lake Erie — Harrison's invasion of Canada — Battle of 
the Thames and death of Tecumseh, 614 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier — Wilkin.son appointed 
to the command — E-xpedition against Montreal — Atfair of Chrystler's 
Field— March of Hampton — Failure of the campaign — Naval affairs on 
lake Ontario — Burning of Newark — Capture of Fort Niagara — Burning 
of Buffak) — Indian war in the south — Massacre at Fort Mimms — Hostile 
movements of the Creeks — Jack.son's campaign — Battle of Talladega — ■ 
Defeat of the Indians — Battle at the Horse-Shoe Bend — Pacification of 
the south, 641 

CHAPTER XLV. 

War of 1812. — Operations on the northern I'rontier — Affair of La Cole Mill 
— Operations on lake Champlain — Naval affairs on lake Ontario — Cap- 
ture of a British force at Sandy Creek — Operations on tlie Niagara fron- 
tier — Gallant exploit of Captain Holmes — War on the Atlantic coast — 
Attack of Saybrook — Gun-boat battle in Long Island Sound — Capture of 

2# 



XVUl CONTENTS. 

Eastport — Bombardment of Stonington — Invasion of Maine — Cruise of 
the Constitution — Capture of the Epervier, Reindeer and Avon — Loss 
of the President — Capture of the Cyane and Levant — Cruise of the 
Hornet — Capture of the Penguin — Gallant exploit of the privateer Arm- 
strong, 660 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

War of 1812. — Negotiations for peace — Campaign on the Niagara — Battles 
of Chippeway and Bridgewater — Affairs in the Chesapeake — Capture of 
Washington — Attack on Baltimore — Affairs on the Charaplain frontier — 
Invasion of Prevost — Battle of Plattsburg and M'Donough's victory — 
Invasion of Louisiana — Battle of New Orleans — Peace of Ghent, 678 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

Monroe's Administration. — General state of the country — Algerine war — 
Tour of the president — Mississippi admitted into the Union — Capture of 
Amelia Island — Illinois admitted into the Union — Seminole war — In- 
vasion of Florida by General Jackson — Execution of Arbuthnot and 
Ambrister — Capture of Pensacola — Florida ceded to the United States — 
Maine separated from Massachusetts — Missouri admitted into the Union 
— Arrival of La Fayette, and his tour throughout the country — John 
QuiNCY Adams elected president — Prosperous condition of the United 
States — View of the western states — Rapid growth and flourishing state 
of the western settlements, 695 

CHAPTER XLVIII. 

John Quincy Adams' Administration. — Disputes with Georgia on the sub- 
ject of the Indian lands — Commercial relations of the United States — 
Death of Adams and Jefferson — Revision of the tariff — Progress of 
American manufactures — Close of J. Q. Adams' administration — Andrew 
Jackson elected president — Removals from office — Affairs of the United 
States Bank — Opposition of the southern states to the tariff — Violent and 
threatening attitude of South Carolina — The nullification act — Procla- 
mation of the president — The compromise act — Indian hostilities — Black 
Hawk's war — Incursion of the savages — Battle of Bad-Ax river — Capture 
of Black Hawk — Difficulties with the French government — Extinction of 
the national debt — Close of Jackson's administration, . . . 705 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Van Buren's Administration. — State of trade in the United States — Com- 
mercial disasters of 1837— Florida war — Massacres by the Seminoles — • 
Catastrophe of Major Dade's party — Fate of Osceola — Disastrous charac- 
ter of the Florida Avar — Battle of Okee-cho-bee — Close of hostilities — 
Insurrection in Canada — The American sympathizers — Occupation of 
Navy Island — Affair of the steamboat Caroline — Arrest and trial of 
McLeod — William Henry Harrison elected president — His sudden 
death, and obsequies — Accession of John Tyler to the presidency — Dis- 
pute with Great Britain concerning the northeastern boundary — Final 
adjustment of the affairs by the treaty of Washington — Great festival of 
the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument — Conclusion, . 725 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Aborigines of America. — Extent of the American aboriginal 
race — Speculations as to their origin — Identity of origin among all 
mankind — First peopling of America — Proximity of the old to the 
new continent — Comparative antiquity of the eastern and western 
races — Date of the original peopling of America — Native origin of 
American civilization — Want of connection in the aboriginal histories 
of North and South America — Antiquity of the Mexican annals — 
Primitive American legislators — Asiatic origin of the American race — 
Ancient American tribes — The Toltecs — Their migration from the 
northwest — The Chechemecas — The Aztecs — Legend of Quptzalcoatl — 
Foundation of Mexico — Cosmogony and religion of the Mexicans — 
Tollec tribes in the United States — Traditions of these people. 

The American aboriginal race, although the smallest in 
point of numbers among the primary divisions of the 
human species, occupies the largest space of territory on 
the surface of the globe. It extends across the northern 
and southern hemispheres, from sixty-eight degrees of 
northern, to fifty-five degrees of southern latitude. It is the 
only race which has fixed its dwelling-place on the burning 
plains bounded by the ocean, as well as on the ridges of the 
mountains, where it roams over heights twelve hundred 
feet loftier than the peak of Teneriffe. 

The origin of the American Indians has been a theme 
that has exercised the ingenuity of many profound and 
learned writers, and has given birth to a multitude of inter- 
esting researches, as well as fruitless speculations. So long 
as those engaged in this investigation were content with 



20 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 



mere theory, without grounding their speculations upon 
well established facts, very few satisfactory results Avere 
obtained. But when the geography of the country, the 
nature of the climate, and the history, manners and gov- 
ernment of the various aboriginal tribes, were studied, the 
obscurity of the subject gradually lessened ; so that, at the 
present day, we may, without much difficulty, come to a 
satisfactory conclusion as to the manner in which America 
was peopled. 




3Iassachusttts Indian. 



Physiological researches have enabled us to pronounce 
with confidence that the human race, wherever found, or 
however difrcrent in coior, are mere varieties of the same 
species, and evidently descended from the same parents. 
In all countries, the marriage of Europeans with the natives, 



FIRST PEOPLING OF THE CONTINENT. iJl 

whether Asiatics, Africans, or Indians, is followed by 
children more or less resembling their parents, and this 
offspring is perfectly capable of continuing the race. If 
there be any mode of accounting for the arrival of a single 
male and female on the western continent, we shall find no 
difficulty in understanding how so many nations became 
distributed over this vast region ; nor can we, in any 
unprejudiced view of the whole subject, find any difficulty 
in believing that the myriads of human beings that have 
lived from the creation of the world to the present hour, 
have all descended from two individuals. 

The history of the world, as presented to us by the most 
authentic records, or by the voice of universal tradition, 
leads us inevitably to conclude, that from some point on 
the eastern continent, the human race originated, and grad- 
ually extended in various directions, subject to the influence 
of all accidents of place, climate, disease, and facility or 
difficulty of procuring food. Hence, notwithstanding that 
the connection of many nations with the parent stock is 
entirely lost, there is not the slightest evidence that such 
nations are derived from any other source than the one 
above stated. Under the operation of different motives, we 
find the scattered members of the human family removing 
by degrees from the centre towards the extremes of the old 
continent, and subsisting in such remote situations, until 
the disposition or ability to remove was entirely lost, and 
they became inured to the climate, however inclement. 

Since it is not only possible, but unquestionable, that the 
whole human race are varieties of the same species, most 
probably descended from one male and female, it remains 
for us to ascertain in what manner the descendants of this 
stock may have reached America, and whether our obser- 
vations can be supported by arguments drawn from the 
condition of the new world. A reference to a map of the 
globe will show us that immediately \Vithin the arctic circle 
the eastern extremity of the old continent is separated from 
the new by a strait, which is but thirty-nine miles across, 
and this is solidly frozen over during winter. Kamtschatka, 
the extremity of Asia, situated between the fortieth and 



22 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

jBftieth degree of nortH"'latitude, is peopled by natives who 
are thoroughly accustomed to endure all the rigors of tliis 
climate, and is provided with many animals equally capa- 
ble of existing through all its inclemencies. Under such 
circumstances, we can see no diHiculty in concluding tiiat, 
from the eastern extremity of Asia, both men and animals 
have passed to America, and subsequently been multiplied 
over the continent. As to man, it is not necessary to insist 
that he passed to America during winter, since the distance 
is not too great for us to believe that even the rudest navi- 
gators, when driven by stress of weather from their own 
coast, as often happens to the Esquimaux, could, with little 
difficulty, reach this continent, where they would be com- 
pelled to remain by necessity, or induced to seek for a more 
agreeable place of abode. The Aleutian islands^ whicli 
are very numerous and form almost a continuous chain, 
beginning with Behring's island, and extending from op- 
posite Kamtschatka, in about the fifty-fifth degree of north 
latitude, to Alaska, in the same parallel in America, may 
have afforded a much easier and more certain approach, 
and that without appearing at all extraordinary to the 
voyagers themselves, who might pass from one island to 
another without having any knowledge of the land to 
which they were going. These islands are in the same 
parallels with Hudson's Bay,' Labrador, and other parts 
of North America, where even Europeans are able to en- 
dure the climate during the severest seasons. There is, 
in fact, good evidence that the reindeer cross over in vast 
herds on the ice, subsisting on the moss found in these 
islands during their passage. 

Apart from the fact of the origin of the whole Imman 
race from the same first parents, there is no proof that the 
existence of man is much more recent in America than in 
the other continent. Within the tropics, the strength of 
vegetation, the breadth of rivers, and partial inundations 
have presented powerful obstacles to the migration of 
nations. The extensive countries of the north of Asia are 
as thinly peopled as the savannas of northern Mexico and 
Paraguay : nor is it necessary to suppose that the coun- 



ORIGIN OF THE ABORIGINES. 23 

iries first peopled, are those which offer the greatest masses 
of inhahitants. History, in carrying us back to the earU- 
est periods, informs us that almost every part of the globe 
is occupied by men who think tiiemselves aborigines, 
because they are ignorant of their origin. Among a multi- 
tude of nations who have succeeded, or have been incor- 
porated with each other, it is extremely difficult to discover 
with precision the first basis of population, that primitive 
stratum, beyond which the region of cosmogonical tradition 
begins. 

It is impossible to ascertain the period when the com- 
munication between the two continents took place. At 
the time of the discovery of America, the natives who had 
made the greatest progress in civilization were the inhabi- 
tants of the mountains. Men born in the plains under 
temperate climates, had followed the ridges of the Cordil- 
leras, which rise in proportion as they approach the equa- 
tor. In these elevated regions, they found the tempera- 
ture and the plants which were congenial with those of 
their native soil. The faculties unfold themselves with 
more facility wherever man, chained to a barren soil, com- 
pelled to struggle with the parsimony of nature, rises 
victorious from the contest. The arid mountains of Cau- 
casus and Central Asia, have been the refuge of free and 
barbarous nations. In the equinoctial parts of America, 
where savannas clothed in perpetual verdure are sus- 
pended above the region of the clouds, no civilized 
nations exist but those embosomed in the Cordilleras. 
Their first progress in the arts was as ancient as the sin- 
gular form of their governments, which were unfavorable 
to individual liberty. 

Nothing in the political or social institutions of the 
native Americans appears to be of European origin; all 
is of indigenous growth. The western continent, like 
Africa and Asia, presents several distinct points of a prim- 
itive civilization. That of Mexico proceeded from a coun- 
try situated toward the north. Amidst the extensive 
plains of Upper Canada, in the prairies of the western 
part of the United States, in Florida and other place§, 



24 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

ancient monuments, walls of great extent, weapons and 
oinanicnts of brass, and sculptured stones are found, indi- 
cating that these countries were formerly inhabited by 
populous and industrious nations. In South America, sim- 
ilar traces of extinct nations are met with in the deserts 
bordered by the Orinoco, the Cassiquiari and the Guiania. 
It is remarkable that the aboriginal history of North 
America is totally separated from that of the southern 
division of the continent. No historical fact or tradition 
exists, which connects the two great territories north and 
south of the Isthmus of Darien. The Aztecs, the Muyscas, 
and the Peruvians, have separate histories, and gained 
their civilization from separate geographical points. The 
annals of the Mexican empire go as far back as the sixth 
century of the Christian era ; and at that epoch, we iind 
the migration of the difl'erent tribes of the north ; the causes 
which produced them ; the names of the chiefs descended 
from the illustrious house of Oitin, who led, from the un- 
known regions of Aztlan and Teocolhuacan, the northern 
nations into the plains of Anahuac. In Peru, Manco 
Capac, the lirst lawgiver, appears originally on the shore 
of lake Titicaca. In the territory of the Muyscas, IJochica, 
the leader, or perhaps the deity of that race, presents him- 
self on the high plains of Hogota, where he arrives from 
the savannas which stretch along the east coast of the 
Cordilleras. The history of all these nations is intermixed 
with miracles, religious lictions and those characters which 
imply an allegorical meaning, b'ome learned writers have 
been of opinion that the founders of American civilization 
were shipwrecked Europeans, or the descendants of those 
Scandinavians, who, in the twelfth century, visited the 
northern part of the ITnitod States ; but a slight rejection 
on the ])eriod of the migrations of the ancient Mexicans, on 
the monastic institutions, the symbols of worship, the cal- 
endar, and the form of the ancient monuments which still 
exist, leads us to conclude that it was not from Europeans 
that America received the rudiments of her civilization. 
Every consideration leads us rather towards Eastern 
Asia. 



MEXICAN ANTIQUITIES. 2S 

The Toltccs arc the oldest American nation of wliich 
we have any knowledge, and that knowledge is, of course, 
very imperfect. Their annals inform us that they were 
banished from their original country, called IIuchuc.tajKil- 
lan, which was probably in the kingdom of Tollan^ situ- 
ated northwest of Mexico. They began their journey about 
the year 5% of the Christian era. In the first places they 
visited, they remained no longer than th(;y foun<l the 
means of subsistence. When they determined to make a 
longer stay, they built houses, and sowed corn, cotton and 
other plants. In this wandering manner they travelled 
southerly for a hundred and four years, till they arrived 
in the territory of Anahuac, at a place to which they gave 
the name of ToUantz'mco ; this was about fifty mil(\s east 
of the spot, where, some centuries after, was founded the 
famous city of Mexico. They were commanded, during 
this migration, by a number of captains or lords, who were 
reduced to seven by the time they reached Tollantzinco. 
They did not settle permanently in this place, but, al)out 
twenty years afterwards, moved forty miles farther west- 
ward, where, on the banks of a river, they founded the 
city of Tollan or Tula, called after the name of their native 
country. This city, the oldest of which we have any dis- 
tinct account in the western world, became the cai)ital 
of the Toltec kingdom. This monarchy began in the yt^ar 
C()7, and existed !i81 years. 

The kingdom of the Tollecs came to an end, according 
to their own accounts, in consequence of a terrible pesti- 
lence, which swept the country of a great part of the inhab- 
itants, and obliged the remainder to disperse theujselves 
in dilfercnt parts. iSomc of them took refuge in Yuca- 
tan and Guatimala; others stopped in the kingdom of 
'I'ula, and scattered themselves in the great vale where 
Mexico was afterwards founded. After the destruction of 
the Toltecs, the land of Anahuac remained almost entirely 
depopulated for a century, till the arrival of the Cheche- 
niecas. These came likewise from the north, and their his- 
tory shows that a certain degree of civilization was blended 
with mO-Uy traits of barbarism in their manners. They 
3 



26 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

lived under a sovereign, and there were distinctions of 
rank among the people. They practised no agriculture, 
nor any of the more ingenious arts of civil life. 

The Chechemecas were succeeded by the Aztecs or 
Mexicans, who, in the year 1190, took possession of the 
country, where they afterwards erected a great empire. 
When the Mexicans arrived in this region, they found the 
pyramids of Cholula, Papantla, and others already stand- 
ing. These edifices, tlierefore, must have been constructed 
by the Toltecs, who, we are further informed, made use 
of hieroglyphical characters, computed the year more pre- 
cisely, and had a more exact chronology than the greater 
part of the people of the old world. 

The most remarkable personage in the history of the 
ancient Mexicans, is Qiietzalcoatl. He was high priest 
of Tula or Tollan, and legislator or chief of a religious 
sect, and is said to have been a white and bearded man. 
The reign of Quetzalcoatl was the golden age of the 
people of Anahuac. At that period all animals, and even 
men, lived in peace. The earth brought forth, without 
culture, the most fruitful harvests, and the air was filled 
with a multitude of birds, which were admired for their 
song and the beauty of their plumage. But this reign, 
like that of Saturn, and the happiness of the world, were 
not of long duration. The great spirit, Tczcallipoca, the 
Brahma of the nations of Anahuac, offered liiin a bever- 
age, which, in rendering him immortal, inspired him with 
a taste for travelling, and particularly with an irresistible 
desire of visiting a distant country, called by tradition 
Tlapallan. In passing through the territory of Cholula, 
Q,uetzalcoatl yielded to the entreaties of the inhabitants, 
who offered him the government of the country. He 
dwelt twenty years among them, taught them to cast 
metals, ordered fasts of eight days, and regulated the calen- 
dar. He preached peace to men, and would permit no 
other offerings to the divinity than the first fruits of the 
harvest. From Cholula he passed on to the mouth of the 
river Goasacoalco, where he disappeared, after having 
declared to the Cholulans that he would return in a short 
time, to govern them again and renew their happiness. 



THE MEXICANS. jgf 

tt was the posterity of this person whom the unfortunate 
Montezuma thought he recognised in the soldiers of Cortez. 
"We know by our books," said he, in his first interview 
with the Spanish general, "that myself and those who 
inhabit this country, are not natives, but strangers, who 
came from a great distance. We know, also, that the 
chief who led our ancestors hither, returned for a certain 
time to his primitive country, and thence came back to 
seek those who were here established. He found them 
married to the women of this laud, having a numerous 
posterity, and living in cities which they had built. Our 
ancestors hearkened not to their ancient master, and he 
returned alone. We have always believed that his de- 
scendants would, one day, come to take possession of this 
country. Since you arrive from that region where the sun 
rises, and as you assure me you have long known us, I 
cannot doubt but that the king who sends you is our nat- 
ural master." 

The cosmogony of the Mexicans, — their traditions of 
the mother of mankind fallen from her first state of hap- 
piness and innocence, — the remembrance of a great inun- 
dation, in which a single family escaped on a raft, — the 
history of a pyramid raised by the pride of men, and 
destroyed by the anger of the gods, — the ceremonies of 
ablution practised at the birth of children, — the idols made 
with the flour of maize and distributed in morsels to the 
people assembled in the temples, — the confession of sins 
made by the penitent, — the religious associations similar 
to the Christian convents of men and women, — the univer- 
sal belief that white men with long beards and sanctity 
of manners, had changed the religion and political system 
of nations, — all these circumstances led the priests, who 
accompanied the Spanish army at the time of the conquest, 
to the belief that at some very distant epoch, Christianity 
had been preached in the new world. It is no way doubt- 
ful that Nestorianism, mingled with the Paganism of the 
East, spread, at an early period, through Mantchoo Tartary 
into the northeast of Asia. We may, therefore, suppose 
that Christian ideas have been communicated by the same 



28 * ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

means to the Mexican nations, especially to the inhabitants 
of that northern region from which the Tollccs cinigrated. 

A few Toltec tribes appear to have mixed with the 
nations who formerly inhabited the country between the 
Mississippi and the Atlantic Ocean. The Iroquois and 
the Hurons made hieroglyphical paintings on wood, which 
bear a striking resemblance to those of the Mexicans. 
The Indians of Virginia had paintings, representing, in 
symbolical characters, the events that had taken place 
during the space of sixty years. These were great wheels, 
divided by sixty spokes into as many equal parts. An 
early traveller relates having seen, in the Indian village 
of Pommacomek, one of these hieroglyphical cycles, in 
which the epoch of the arrival of the whites on the coast 
of Virginia was marked by the tigure of a swan vomiting 
fire, to indicate, at the same time, the color of the Euro- 
peans, their passage by water, and the destruction which 
their fire-arms had poured on the red men. 

At Mexico, the use of painting and of paper manufac- 
tured from the 7/w ""//ey, was extended far beyond the limits 
of the empire of Montezuma to the borders of the lake of 
Nicaragua, whither the Toltccs had carried their language 
and their arts. In the kingdom of Guatimala the inhab- 
itants of Teochiapan had preserved traditions going back 
to the time of a great deluge, after which, their ancestors, 
led by a chief named Votan, had come from a country 
lying toward the north. In the village of Tespixca, there 
still existed, in the sixteenth century, descendants of the 
family of Votan. Those persons who have studied the 
history of the Scandinavian nations in the heroic times, 
must be struck at finding in Mexico a name which recalls 
that of Wodan or Odin, who reigned among the Scythians, 
and whose race, according to the very remarkable asser- 
tion of Bede, " gave kings to a great number of nations." 



CHAPTER II. 

Aborigines of America. — Ihffirent races of the Mexican conquerors— ^ 
Origin of the custom of human sacrifices — Contrast u-ith the Peruvians 
— Foundation of Mexico — Civilization of the Mexican peojile — Anti- 
quities of Mexico — Destruction of the Mexican cities by the Hfaniards — 
Population of the empire — Ancient rums in Mexico — Palenque — Zaca- 
tecas — Copan — Uxmal — Chi-chen — Zayi. 

The nations which, from the seventh to the twelfth cen- 
tury, successively inundated Mexico ; the ""IVjItecs, the 
Chechcrnecas, the Nahuatlacs, the Acolhuans, the Tlascal- 
tecs and the Aztecs, formed a single group, connected hy 
analogy of language and manners, somewhat like the 
(jJerrnans, the Norwegians, the Coths and the Danes, who 
were all confounded in a single race, that of tlie Germanic 
nations. It is prohable that other nations, the Otomites, 
the Cuitlatecs, the Zacatecs, and the Tarascs, appeared 
before the Toltccs in the territory of Mexico. Wherever 
nations have advanced in tlic same directif>n, the position 
of the countries in which they are found, marks, in some 
sort, the chronological order of their migrations. But 
whatever may be the relative antiquity of the different 
races of men settled in the mountains of Mexico, the Cau- 
casus of America, it appears certain that none of t?iese 
nations, from the 01 mecs to the Aztecs, had, for a long time, 
been acc[uainted with the barbarous custom of sacrificing 
human victims. This horrid practice was introduced by 
the Aztecs, and gave a ferocious and sanguinary character 
to the religious worship of a people, among whom animals 
and first fruits were the only primitive offerings. The 
continual wars of the Aztecs, after they had fixed their 
residence on the islands of the salt lake of Tezcuco, fur- 
nished them with so abundant a supply of victims, that 
3* 



30 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

human sacrifices were odcrcd to all their divinities wilhoiu 
exception. Jt is aslonisliing to observe such extreme feroc- 
ity in religious cenmionies among a people whose social 
and political state reminds us, in other points of view, of 
the civilization of the Chinese and the inhabitants of 
Ja])an. 

In South America, the most powerful nation, the Peru- 
vians, followed the worship of the sun. The most bloody- 
wars were waged by the Incas to introduce a peaceable 
and gentle religion, llvunan sacrifices disappeared wher- 
-ever the descendants of Manco Capac carried their laws, 
their divisions into castes, their language, and their mo- 
nastic d(\spotism. 

The city of Mexico was f<)Uiid(>d in the year 132;"); ;uid 
in the space of two centuries, the progress of civilization 
was so rapid, that the !Si»aniards, on their arrival, found, 
ill this quarter of the new world, regularly organized 
states, aristocratical, monarchical and republican forms of 
government, eslablished systems of law :nid n^ligion, — 
immense cities, rivalling, in the style, characlc^r and mngni- 
iicence of thcnr edifices and ((Muples, those of the old Avorld ; 
ami roads, aciueduels, and other public works seldom sur- 
passed in massiveness, durability and grandeur. Tbe 
inha])itants were neatly clotlK^l ; the soil was tilled ; many 
of tb(^ arts had bc^'u carri(vl to a high (h^gree of ad- 
vancemtnit, and tbe knowledge of the iuhahifauts, in soiiu^ 
of the scienc(»s, equalled, if not surpassed, tliat of the (-(m- 
querors. Guatimala was occuj)ied by many distinct 
tribes, each enjoying its own ))eculiar government and 
institutions. The territory farther north, was divided into 
several kingdoms and republics, of which the empire of 
Mexico was the largest and most powerful. 

The civilization of the Mexican States, Iiowever, was 
of a peculiar character. The great mass of the population 
was uncultivated ; society was kept in a state of order, 
not by the intelligence and education of the people, but by 
their veneration for their rulers. The public records, the 
festivals, tbe arts ruid .sciences, and even agriculture, were 
all eonunitted to the charge of the priesthood; and when 



CIVILIZATION OF THE MEXICANS. 



31 



their government fell before the assaults of their invaders, 
and their rcHgion yielded to Catholic zeal, their institutions 
and civilization perished in one common grave. 

Remains of antiquity, attesting a very considerable de- 
gree of civilization, are to be found both in North and 
^outh America. At the period of the discovery, the an- 
cient remains in the United Stales were deserted by the 
original tribes ; and the people by whom they had been 
erected were apparently extinct, so that the question of 
their origin was a subject of iiupiiry to the antiquary, 
rather tlian to the historian. In the regions explored and 
conquered by the Spaniards, it was otherwise. There th(; 
invaders found populous nations, and who had been long in 
pos.session of the soil they occupied. At the period of the 
conquest, the cities of Mexico and (jJuatimala contained 
the most magnificent and stupendous edifices, and the 
narratives of the conquerors arc filled with expressions of 
astonishment at their vastness and grandeur, and the iiiag- 




Pyranud <if Ouilida. 

nificence and splendor of their decf)rations. Most of these, 
and cs[)ccially such as were inferior in size, were dc^sJ)oiled 



32 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

and overthrown by the Spaniards, while those more an- 
cient structures, Avhich served as their models, the pyra- 
mids of Cholula and Teotihuacan, probably from their 
enormous dimensions, escaped the general ruin. An idea 
of the remorseless system of indiscriminate destruction 
pursued by the invaders, may be gathered from the letter 
ofCortez to Charles V., in which, speaking of the plan 
adopted for the subjugation of the city of Mexico, he says ; 
" 1 formed the design of demolishing, on all sides, all the 
houses, in proportion as we became masters of the streets, 
so that we should not advance a foot without having 
destroyed and cleared down whatever was behind us." 
Thus continually, in the examination of these ancient 
monuments, are we called upon to lament that barbarian 
fury, which, in the heat of conquest, was abandoned to 
every excess ; and we are compelled to share and sympa- 
thize in the feelings of the poor vanquished Indians, as 
they saw the objects of their deepest reverence levelled 
with the dust. 

From these causes, as well as from the gradual depopu- 
lation and final abandonment of many important cities, 
whose sites are now only conjecturally known, but a fiiint 
conception can be obtained, at the present period, of their 
former size and numbers. The old writers, many of whohi 
were eye-witnesses, whose accounts were written after a 
long residence in the country, give us a high idea of its 
ancient population. It appears evident that the empire of 
Mexico and the territories south as far as the Isthmus of 
Darien, were so thickl}'^ peopled as to justify the assertion 
of Cortez, that in the neighborhood of the towns not a foot 
of the soil Avas left uncultivated ; and the cities were not 
only numerous, but some of them contained from 30,000 to 
00,000 houses. The city of Tezcuco, including its suburbs, 
was larger than Mexico, and, according to 'J"'orquemada, 
contained 140,000 houses. Its ruins, visible at tlie present 
day, still attest its ancient grandeur and magnificence. 
Without the walls, tumuli, the sepulchres of the former 
inhabitants, may yet be observed, and also the remains of 
a fine aqueduct, still perfect enough for present use. With- 



RUINS OF PALENQUE. 33 

in the city limits, excavations have developed the founda- 
tions of large edifices, and every surrounding object points 
it out to the traveller as the former residence of a numer- 
ous and cultivated population. 

Two miles from Tezcuco, the village of Huexotla, situ- 
ated on the site of the ancient city of that name, which 
was considered as one of the suburbs of Tezcuco, exhibits 
signs of ancient civilization in the foundations of large edi- 
fices, in massive aqueducts, one of which, covered with 
rose-colored cement, still exists in a perfect state, and in 
an extensive wall of great height and thickness. A covered 
way, flanked by parallel walls, proceeds from the ancient 
city to the bed of a stream, now dry, over which is a re- 
markable bridge, with a pointed arch, forty feet high, sup- 
ported on one side by a pyramidal mass of masonry. 

At Palenque, in Chiapa, are the remains of a large city, 
completely overgrown with a thick forest. The principal 
edifice is in a high state of preservation, and appears to 
have been a royal palace. It is surrounded by corridors 
and porticoes, the roofs of which are supported by plain 
rectangular pillars, without bases, and crowned by square 
blocks of stone, above which are long blocks of stone 
stretching from column to column. These were covered 
with designs in stucco work. From each of these por- 
ticoes there was an entrance to chambers, whose walls 
were ornamented with medallions or compartments in 
stucco, alternating with niched windows. Some of the 
medallions appear to have contained a series of busts and 
heads. In one of the chambers the device is a species of 
grotesque mask with a crown and long beard, under which 
are two crosses, one within the other. Two rooms are 
adorned with designs in stucco, and contain statues orna- 
mented with strings of jewels. In other buildings at Pa- 
lenque, are also stucco-designs, bas-reliefs and sculptures, 
representing a great variety of figures, most of them 
apparelled and decorated with pearl necklaces, caps and 
helmets adorned with flowers and a multitude of other 
ornaments. A peculiarity of all the human figures is in 
the great size of the nose, a remarkable protrusion of the 



34 ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 

Tinder lip, and the absence of a beard. Other reUevos 
exhibit human sacrifices, hieroglyphical symbols, and men 
dancing with palm leaves in their hands. One figure, pre- 
sumed to be a deity, is sitting, in Hindoo style, upon a 
throne ornamented on each side with the enormous head 
and claws of an animal ; another is seated cross-legged 
upon a two-headed monster, and is receiving an oftcring 
from a man in a kneeling attitude ; and it is observed of 
all these representations that every appearance of martial 
instruments seems to be wanting. Some of the windows 
are in the form of a Greek cross; and on the walls of one 
of the apartments is a tablet of sculptured stone, exhibit- 
hig the figure of a large and richly ornamented cross placed 
upon an altar or pedestal. A priest stands on one side, in 
an attitude of adjuration, and on the other side appears 
another priest presenting some otlering, apparently a young 
child. On the top of the cross is seated a sacred bird, 
which has two strings of beads around its neck, from 
which is suspended a curious Mexican flower, resembling 
the human hand. 

At Patinamit, in Guatimala, once existed a very large 
city. Ruins have been discovered of an edifice of hewn 
stone three hundred feet in length, and opposite to this, on 
the other side of a spacious square, the remains of a 
magnificent palace. Vestiges of streets, broad and straight, 
and intersecting each other at right angles, are discern- 
ible over a wide extent of ground. 

The ancient city of Zacatecas was approaclied by a 
great causeway, nearly one hundred feet in breadth, and 
surrounded by a thick wall. Remains of towers exist lierc, 
with walls of great thickness. Immense quadrangles and 
terraces of hewn stone are scattered in every direction. 
Columns are standing erect, and pyramids of various sizes 
excite the curiosity of the explorer as to their original 
destination. Remains of an aqueduct are to be seen, and 
an immense block of porphyry, on which is an indentation 
resembling the print of a human foot, which, as the Indian 
tradition atfirms, has been caused by actual pressure. 

In Honduras, the ruins of the ancient city of Copan pre- 



RUINS OF UXMAL. 35 

sent us objects of great interest. The remains of fallen 
buildings are to be observed, extending along that river for 
two miles, and walls of enormous thickness prove that 
this was once a powerful and opulent city. The most 
remarkable objects here are stone columns, many of whicii 
remain standing, and others are fallen and overgrown with 
trees and bushes. These columns, or idols as they arc 
called by the inhabitants, are mostly from ten to twelve 
feet in height, and of uncommon thickness. One side is 
generally sculptured with human figures, in low relief, with 
full fronts, and the hands resting on the breast. They arc 
dressed with caps on their heads and sandals on their feet, 
and exhibit highly ornamented garments, generally reach- 
ing half way down the thigh, but sometimes in long pan- 
taloons. The backs and sides of the columns generally 
contain hieroglyphics enclosed in tablets. 

Monstrous figures are found among the ruins. One rep- 
resents the colossal head of an alligator, having in its jaws 
a figure with a human face, but with the paws of an ani- 
mal. Another monster has the appearance of a gigantic 
toad, in an erect position, with human arms and tiger claws. 
On neighboring hills stand, one to the east and the other 
to tlic west of the city, two obelisks, containing hiero- 
glyphics in squares ; these obelisks, like most of those in 
the city, are painted red. Mounts of stone, formed by fallen 
edifices, are found throughout the neighboring country. 
Copan, at the conquest, was a large and populous city. It 
was inhabited as late as 1570, but it is now entirely de- 
serted, and the ruins are overgrown with a thick forest. 

In the province of Yucatan are the ruins of Uxmal. 
Here are a large number of edifices situated on a wide 
plain. When first discovered they were entirely overgrown 
with trees. The ruins are scattered over a space of many 
miles. The most remarkable edifices lie togetlier, and con- 
sist of temples and pyramids. There are four great build- 
ings arranged on the sides of a quadrangular terrace, fifteen 
feet high and a thousand in circuit, its sides corresponding 
accurately with the cardinal points. One of these build- 
ings contains sixteen chambers, disposed in two rows, over 



!fe 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 



the doors of which are rings of stone, supposed to have 
been used as supporters to tapestries or curtains ; there are 




Euins of Uxmal by moonlight. 

also two lateral chambers, across which beams of wood, 
one of which is still visible, appear to have been laid. 
These are supposed to have been designed for the support 
of hammocks. Another of the buildings contains a court, 
paved with small square stones, each of which is exquis- 
itely carved in demi-relief with the exact figure of a tortoise; 
they are arranged in fours, with the heads of the tortoises 
together, and amount in number to forty-three thousand 
six hundred and sixty. 

The stone is hard and very much worn. The Great 
Teocalli of Uxmal is a lofty pyramid, with an exterior 
coating of stone-work. This pyramid was ascended on 
the eastern side by a flight of one hundred steps, each a 
foot in height. A platform at the summit, ninety-one feet 
long and forty-five broad, supports a temple above eighty 
feet in length. This temple contained three chambers, 
and on its front is a platform, the sides of which are curi- 
ously sculptured. It is supposed that sacrifices were per- 



RUINS OF CHI-CHEN. 37 

formed here, after which the bodies of the victims were 
precipitated down the side of the pyramid. On the west- 
ern front of the temple are four figures, similar to caryati- 
des, cut in stone with great fidehty and elegance. Their 
hands are crossed upon the breast, and hold some instru- 
ment ; the head is enveloped in a covering resembling a 
casque, with an ornament in the ears in the Egyptian style; 
about the neck is a garment, of the skin of the cayman, 
with a border beautifully worked; and round the waist is 
a girdle. Above each is sculptured a death's-head with 
four cross-bones. All these sculptures are neatly executed 
and brilliantly colored. The eastern front of the temple 
has two apartments or doorways, and two little pavilions, 
each supported by two pilasters, above which appear some 
indications of capitals. The sides of this pyramid were 
overgrown with trees, and are very steep ; upon its corners 
something like the heads of elephants have been sculp- 
tured. Other figures and hieroglyphics abound in the 
ruins, among which are a double triangle and a globe, so 
arranged as to suggest the idea of having been intended 
to symbolize the four elements. 

At Chi-chen, in Yucatan, are very extensive ruins, sim- 
ilar in character to those of Uxmal. The largest of these 
is an immense temple, tlie different portions of which appear 
to have formed three sides of a quadrangle. Another edi- 
fice bears the name of the "House of the Caciques," and 
presents a front singularly ornamented, with a wide en- 
trance. All the ruins at this place abound with halls, 
chambers, galleries, terraces, and corridors, of which it is 
impossible to convey any idea to the reader by a written 
description. The walls, both internally and externally, 
present innumerable sculptures of fantastic figures, man" 
of them very ably executed. It is remarkable that here 
as in other places where remains of antiquity are to b( 
found, the lofty pyramid is not wanting. These pyramids 
are always surmounted by other structures, although the 
precise object of erecting these buildings to such a height, 
is not easily to be guessed. Yet it is no less remarkable 
that traditions similar to that of the tower of Babel and of 
4 



« 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 



Noah's ark were firmly established in the memory of the 
aborigines. In Chiapa the inhabitants repeated the legend 




Uonsc. uj tilt Caciques at Clii-chai. 

of Votan, Avho was present at the building of tlie great 
tower, when mankind received four diflerent languages, 
and who was then commanded to people and make a divi- 
sion of the lands of Anahnac. In one of the Mexican 
picture-writings, there is a delineation of the Mexican 
Noah, or Coxcox, who, with his wife, was saved in a 
canoe, and finally, upon the subsidence of the flood, was 
landed upon a mountain called Colhuacan. Their chil- 
dren were born dumb, and received different lauffuages 
from a dove upon a lofty tree. The natives of Mechoacan 
have a tradition, which, if it be correctly reported, accords 
most singularly with tlic narrative of Noah's fiood. They 
say that at the time of tlie great deluge, Tezpi embarked 
with his wife and children, taking with them various ani- 
mals and several seeds of fruits, in a calli, or house. When 
the waters began to withdraw, he sent out a bird called 
awa, which remained, feeding upon carrion. He then 
sent out otJicr birds, which did not return, except the hum- 



RUINS OF ZAYI. 



naiiig-bird, which lu-ought back a small branch in its 
mouth. 




Ruins of Zayi. 

At Zayi, the traveller may discover heaps of ruins over- 
grown with trees and bushes. Terraces, galleries, and 
halls compose these stupendous structures, and bewilder 
the explorer, who seeks in vain, in their present dilapidated 
condition, for any accurate plan of the whole pile. Near 
Merida are ruins of edifices constructed of stones of enor- 
mous size and covered with sculptures. Tliere have been 
observed in a single wall on-e hundred and seventeen stones 
sculptured with hieroglyphics, and inserted in tlie mason- 
ry. There are vacancies for fourteen more, which have 
fallen down, and the whole hundred and thirty-one are 
supposed to represent that number of Kafoiws, or Maya 
ages. Ancient structures also abound in various other 
parts of Mexico and Central America. 



CHAPTER III. 

Aborigines of America. — Varieties of the native Americans — North 
American Indians — General dcscriplion — The Esi/niniaii.T — The Blarh- 
foot Indians — The KjiisUnenux — The Mandnns — /heir dances — The 
Indian ^^ medicine ^^ charm — Mnndan cemeteries — 17ic Camanches — 
their expert hoi'srmanship — 'Hie Chippeways — TJie Sioux — their 
ornamented cradh'S — The KasliasJiias — Indian robes — Son/h Ameri- 
can Indians — The Peruinans — The Araucamans — The Ahipones — 
The Patagonians — extravagant stories respecting their e?tormous 
stature — Present state of these Indians — 'Ilie Fvegians — their rrretehed 
lifls and barbarous manners — Horrible ca?mibalism of these savages. 

In the immense extent of territoiy from the Arctic 
legions to Cape Horn, there must of course be some variety 
in complexion and physical structure among the inhabi- 
tants; yet the general resemblance of the didcrcnt mem- 
bers of this great family of the hnnjan race, is very 
remarkable. In height they do not diti'cr generally from 
the Europeans. Their color varies from a cinnamon brown 
to a deep copper hue, and sometimes olive-yellow. They 
almost universally have straight, black hair. The fea- 
tures of the face are all large and strongly marked, except 
the eyes, which are sunk deep into the head. The fore- 
head is commonly low, and slightly retreating from the 
perpendicular. The check-bones are high and widely 
separated. For a long time they were supposed to be 
naturally beaniless, but this arose from the care which 
they always take to remove the hair from the chin. 

The Esquimaux who inhabit the northerii part of North 
America, differ considerably from the other natives of this 
part of the continent ; and a corresponding distinction is 
observed in South America among the Patagonians and 
Fuegians, The Esquimaux are small in stature, and have 



INDIANS. 



41 




Esquimaux. 




Bluf.kfoot chief. 



4* 



4Z 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 



hard, disaG;rocablc features; their cheeks are tnmid and 
roundish ; (heir noses small and Hat, and their whole pliys- 
iognomy uiuch resembling that of the most ill-favored 
Tartar tribes. 

The IJlaekfoot Indians are distinguished for the gaudi- 
ness of their attire. The dress of one of their chiefs con- 
sists of a sliirt or tunic, made of deer-skins finely dressed, 
and placed together with the necks of the skins down- 
ward, and the hind legs stitched together, the seams 
ruiuiing down each arm from the neck to the knuckles 
of the hand. 'J'hc whole is adorned with a beautiful 
embroidery of porcupine quills, and a fringe of the locks 
of hair from the euemtes he has slain in battle. 

The Kuislenaux are of small stature, but strong and 
active. They arc the inveterate enemies of the Black- 



^t^i 








Kristciiaux woman. 



feet, who are tlieir neighbors on the west. They occupy 
the country near the mouth of the Yellowstone, and 
extend northwesterly into the British territory. 



MANDAXS. 



43 



The Mandans dwell on the Upper Missouri. They arc 
a very idle race, devoting a great y)art of their time to 
mere amusement. The young men furnish provisions by 
hunting buffaloes, which exist in abundance in their neigh- 




ainde 



'an cfiief. 



])orhood, while the remainder of the tribe are occupied in 
their dunces, of which they have a great variety, as t})c 
hnffaio dunce, the boasting dance, the begging dance, tlio 
scalp dance, 6i/i. Each dance lius its pecnhar sor)g, wliich 
is of so mysterious a character that none but the " medi- 
cine-men" know its true import. The "medicine" is a 
charm of peculiar potency among the tribes in this part of 
the continent. It is a sort of talisman, to which they 
ascribe a wonderful and su])ernatural power. The 
"medicine-bag" is made of the skin of a beast, bird, 
or reptile, stuffed with moss, and ornamented very 
gaudily. Every Indian of the.sc tribes carries his medi- 



44 



AHOU1GINE.S OK AMKHICA. 



cine-bag, ;iiitl ils valiio is licyoiid all |»ric(! ; for, lo sell or 
}>;ivo it away would (lisi^r;ic(> liiiii Ibrover. lie carries it 
into l)iitllr and Inisls to il ior protection. If" he loses it, 
(liuu^li liu;litiiig ever so biavrly, he eiahires the utmost 
disgrace; liis eueuiy carries it oil" as a trophy, and he 
reiuaius in a state; of dcL^Madaliou till \n\ can re[)lac(; his 
medicine hy rnshiui^ into l)a(tle and ])) nude rii ig ouc from 
oil ciicniy wlioni he slays with his own hand. 




Kiiislinuiix iri/li liiiicv a/iil nit (Urine hin;. 

*rho Mnuilau ceiueteiies are always iu^ the iunuediate 
ii(>ii;hhoriiood of their villages. They never bury their 
dead, but place the bodies on slight scallblds, just above the 
reach of lunuan hands, and out of the way of wolves and 
clogs, M'here they are Idl tt) moulder and decay. The 
body is dressed in its hest attire, painted, oiled, and sup- 
pli<Hl with bow, (piiver, shield, pipe, tobacco, knite, Hint, 
steel, and })rovisii)ns enough to last a few days. A bnf- 



THE CAMANCIIES. 



45 



falo's skin, fresh taken from the animal, is wrapped 
round the body and tightly wound with thongs. Other 
coverings arc added, till the corpse is enveloped so as 
totally to exclude the air. It is then placed on the scaf- 
fold, where the bodies remain till they decay and fall to 




MitiidaiL (xmetery. 

the ground; llu; Indians then bury all the bones except the 
skulls, which they dispose in circles of a hundred or more 
on the ground, eight or ninn inches apart, all facing the 
centre. In th(; midst of the circle is a little knoll, on which 
are two buffalo skulls, and between them is erected a 
" medicine pole," about twenty feet high, supporting many 
articles of mystery and superstition. 

The (Jamanches are a powerful tribe, inhabiting the ter- 
ritory of Texas and Mexico. They amount to thirty or 
forty thousand, and are the most expert in horsemanship 
of all the North American Indians, When on foot, their 
movements are heavy and imgraceful, but the moment 
they mount their horses, they seem metamorphosed, and 
surprise the spectator with the agility, ease, and elegance 
of their movements. They pay much attention to agricid- 
ture, and live in large villages surrounded with corn-fields. 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 




Cavianche nicnum. 

Thi^ Chippewa ys orcupy the district from the outlet of 
Lake Pepin to the source of the Mississippi. They hve 
in villages consisting of wigwams constructed of birch 
bark laid over a frame-work of polos. Their bark canoes 
are celebrated for their lightness and elegance. These 




Indians lead a roving life, and after dwelling a short time 
ui one place, they break up their encampment, unroll the 



THE SIOUX. 



47 



bark coverings of their wigwams, pack them in their 
canoes, and move off to another quarter. They are the 
inveterate enemies of the Sioux, their neighbors, with 
whom they are always at war. Ttie 8ioux Hve in the 
neighborhood of the Falls of St. Anthony, west of the Mi.s- 
sissippi. The women of this tribe carry their children on 
their hacks in a sort of cradle, Avhich may be regarded as 
one of the finest specimens of Indian workmanship. This 
cradle is encompassed with bandages covered with a beau- 
tiful embroidery of porcupine quills, ingenious figures of 
horses, men, &cc. A broad hoop, of elastic wood, passes 
around in front of the child's face, to protect it in case of a 
fall, and from the front of this hoop is suspended a little 
toy, of exquisite cnil)roidery, for the child to })lay with. 
To this and other little trinkets hanging in front of it. are 




Sionx cradle. 



attached many little tinselled and tinkling things, of the 
brightest colorSj to amuse the eyes and ears of the child. 



48 



ABORIGINES OF AMERICA. 



While travelling on horseback, the arms of the child are 
fastened under the bandages. In travelling on foot, the 
cradle is hung at the mother's back by a strap passing 
round her forehead. 

The Kaskaskias were formerly an exceedingly powerful 
tribe, occupying the country between the Mississippi and 
the Ohio ; but they have lately dwindled away in a most 
remarlcable manner. Nothing but a small remnant of the 
tribe now exists, incorporated with the Peorias of Illinois. 
They are now moving to the west of the Missouri, and 
will undoubtedly, in the course of a few years, be entirely 
extinct. 




Kaskaskia tvigtcams. 

The Indian robes are commonly made of buffalo skins, 
with the hair remaining, and the inside finely and deli- 
cately dressed. On this side are painted representations of 
the battles in which the possessor has been engaged. The 
cut which we introduce on the next page, shows the robe 
of a Mandaii chief, described by Mr. Catlin. It contains 
the representation of twelve battles, fought by him, in 
which he took fourteen scalps. 

In South America may still be found great numbers of 
the aboriginal population; some tribes continuing in their 
primitive mdcpendcnce, but the greater part in a state of 



THE PATAGONIANS. 



^ 



subjection to their European conquerors. The Peruvians, 
once a refined, cultivated, and industrious nation, are now 




Indian robe. 



sunk into abject slavery and idleness, with nothing but the 
memory of the ancient Incas, and the ruins of antique 
edifices, to remind them of their former prosperity. The 
Araucanians, in the southern part of Chili, still maintain 
their wild independence, and have maintained perpetual 
wars with the Spaniards ever since the invasion of the 
country. In Paraguay are the Abiponcs, a warlike and 
equestrian tribe, long formidable enemies of the Spaniards, 
and who are as expert in horsemanship as the Camanches 
of North America. 

The Patagonians are among the most remarkable of the 
American aborigines, not only for their uncommon stature, 
but for the romantic tales respecting their gigantic size 
which were propagated by the early voyagers and credited 
by the rest of the world. Magellan was the first who 
described these giants. He met some at Port St. Julian, 
of one of whom, the narrator says, that the heads of the 
Europeans scarcely came up to his waist, and his voice 
was as loud as that of a bull. In Loyasa's voyages, a 
6 



60 



AnoKIGlNKS OF AMKIIIC'A. 



short time after, he was visited by two canoes, the sides 
of which were formed of the ribs of whales ; the men were 




.Fi!!ii-:o/iii!/l. 



of a most QJofantic size, but their measurement is not 
stated. Sir Francis Drake found them seven feet and a 
lialf in lioJLjlit, if wo may credit tlio mirrntive of his voyaije. 
Van Voort heard of a tribe of Patagonians ton or, twelve 
feet in stature, tlmugli lie saw none who were more than 
two feet and a half above tlio ordinary size. Lemaire and 
Schouten found graves containing skeletons ten or eleven 
feet in length, with skulls so large that the sailors could 
put them on their heads in the manner of helmets. 

IJougainville, in 17G7, landcMl among the Patagonians. 
Of their size, he remarks, — "They have a fine shape; 
among those whom we saw, not one was below five feet 
ten inches and a quarter, nor above six feet two inches 
and a half. Their gigantic appearance arises from their 



TUli PATAGONIANS. 51 

prodigiously broad slioiildcrs, llic size of tlicir heads, and 
the thickness of their limbs." Coniniodorc IJyron gives a 
more striking account of th(;in. "One, who afterwards 
appeared to he the chief, came towards me; he was of a 
gigantic stature, and seemed to reaUze the tales of mon- 
sters in a human shape, lie hud the skin of some wild 
beast thrown over his shoulders, as a .Scotch Highlander 
wears his plaid, and was painted so as to make the most 
hideous a[)pearance 1 ever beheld. Jloiuid one eye was a 
large circle of white; a circle of black surrounded tlu; 
other, and the rest of his body was streaked with paint of 
different colors. I did not measure him, hut if I mny 
judge of his height by the proportion of his stature to my 
own, it could not be less than seven feet." He further 
states, that one of the crew, who was six feet two inches 
high, looked like a pigmy arnong these giants. 

There seems to be little doubt that tlui I'atagonians 
were formerly a taller race than at present, and tluil. by a 
different mode of life, and riding on horseback, which they 
began to practise soon after the Spjiniards introduced 
those animals, or by intermarriage with the southern or 
Fuegian tribes, they have degenerated into a smaller race, 
and have lost all claim to the title of giants. Yet their 
bulky^ rrmsciilur forms and length of body in sr)mc mea- 
sure confirm the above accounts; for, had tlie present gen- 
eration proportional limbs, they might, without any exag- 
geration, justify the account of Commodore Hyron. The 
Jesuit missionary, Falkner, who, from an intercourse of 
forty years with the Indians of Sonth America, must be 
considered as one of the best authorities, says, speaking of 
a Patagonian named Cangapol, — "This chief, who was 
called by the Spaniards, Cacique Bravo, was tall and well 
]:)roportioned. He must have been seven feet and some 
inches in height, because on tiptoe I could jiot r(!0,ch the 
top of his head. 1 was very well acquainted with him, 
and went some journeys in his company. I do not recol- 
lect ever havhig seen an Indian that was above an inch or 
two taller than Cangapol. His brother, Sausimian, was 
only about six feet high." 



$% 4B0RIGINES OF AMERICA. 

Captains King and Fitzroy, who visited Patagonia in 
1827, give us very circumstantial descriptions of the 
inhabitants, from which it is evident that these people are 
the tallest race of men in the world. Many individuals 
are of enormous stature ; and the medium height of the 
men is within an inch of six feet. The Avomen are not so 
tall, but are in proportion broader and stouter. The head 
is long, broad, and flat, and the forehead Ioav, with the hair 
growing within an inch of the eyebrows, which are bare. 
Their eyes are often placed obliquely, and have little 
expression. The nose is generally flat and turned up, 
though sometimes aquiline. The mouth is wide, with 
prominent lips ; the jaws are broad, which gives the face a 
square appearance ; the chest is broad and very full ; the 
limbs are small, and the body is long, large, and fat. As to 
their character, the Patagonians are friendly, without that 
disposition to quarrel, after the novelty of first acquaint- 
ance has worn oft', which is so common among savages in 
general. They have frequent communication with the 
sealing vessels which frequent these shores, bartering their 
guanaco skins and meat, their mantles and furs, for beads, 
knives, brass ornaments, &c. They keep horses and dogs, 
and live in huts or tents covered with skins. When at 
war, or expecting an attack, they exercise on horseback in 
their armor every other evening. The horsemanship of the 
Patagonians, though very skilful, is not equal to that of 
the Araucanians. From their weight, and the openness 
of their country, they do not habitually ride so hard, nor 
practise so many manoeuvres as the Araucanian, who can 
hang at the side of his horse while at full speed, directing 
him by voice and reins. They are fond of racing, and at 
almost every leisure hour, either horses or play engage 
their attention ; for they are also great gamblers. They 
bet upon the horse races, and will sometimes stake their 
wives and children. 

If the empires of Mexico and Peru furnish us with the 
examples of the highest point to which the civilization of 
the native Americans had reached, the tribes of Tierra del 
Fuego on the other hand, show the aboriginal barbarism, 



THE FUEGIANS. 



53 



at its lowest point. At the soutliern extremity of the west- 
ern continent, savage Ufe may be found in its rudest and 








Fuegian. 



most repulsive shaj)C. The Fuegian is almost as degraded 
a specimen of the human race as tlie native of New Hol- 
land. In external appearance he is not much superior to 
an ourang-outang. The habits of these people indicate 
hardly more intellect than is seen in the instinct of a brute. 
Their luits are the rudest structures in all savage architec- 
ture, and their abodes are often little different from the lair 
of a wild beast. They wear hardly any covering, in spite 
of the cold and stormy climate to which they are exposed. 
Their food is almost exclusively fish, as hardly anything 
grows upon the sterile rocks they inhabit. They are the 
most horrid of cannibals, and sometimes, when storms and 
deep snow prevent their obtaining food as usual, seize the 
oldest woman of their party, suffocate her over a thick 
smoke, and then devour every particle of her flesh. 



C II APT I 111 IV. 

DlscovKUiKs AND CoNQVKsTs OF TiiK SpANiAUDS. — Lfra.t of Ihc ancimts 
rcsjurlinsf a urshrn lontinint — 'IVodidon of the Wchh in America 
— Diseoven/ of Aiwriai hi/ the I^orthmrn — Colony of Northmen in 
Rhoile hhind — Cohtmlms — I Us proJeetK of iliseoreri/ — Jlise(ft>rts at the 
iSpanish court — lie is patronised Inj Queen Isniiella — lie discovers 
America — Notions of the Sponinrds resprctini^ India — Tohacco discov- 
ered in Cuba — Return of Colundms — K.vultatton of the Spaniards — 
Second voyage of Coh/mhis — S<ttlernent made in the ^Vest India 
Islands — Third vot/as^c of Columbus — Discoren/ of the continent — 
Cohanhus arrested and sent to Spain — His fourth voi/ai^c — Jns^ratitudc 
of the Spanish court toward Cidund>us — His death — Voyage and arti- 
fices of Amerigo Vespucci — lialhoa discovers the South Sea — Invasion 
of ]\fc.rieo by Cortex — lie burns his ships and penetrates into the inte- 
rior — Behavior of the Kmperor Monlctuma — 'J'he Spaniards enter 
the city of Mexico — Captivity and death of Montezuma — Disasters of 
the Spaniards — Siege and capture of Me.rico — Subjugation of the whole 
empire — Comiucst of Guatiniala. 




-i<-rVK^^ 



Spaniards communicating ivith the natives. 



Volumes have been Avrittoii on the question whether thd 
western continent was known to the civihzed nations of 



i 



THE NORTHMEN. 



55 



the Old World. Did no riicnician, Orock or Arabian nav- 
igator cvor venture across tlic forrnidahlo expanse of the 
Atlantic Occan7 Did they never succeed in lifting, for a 
moment, that v(;il of obscurity which covered from their 
view the vast regions toward the setting sun'.' Authors, 
inspired by this sufjjeet, have explored the records of every 
naval state in anti(juity for some indications, more or less 
distinct, of voyages of discovery or adventure towards the 
west, but the result of all their researches has been that 
the writings of the ancients contain nothing that can be 
relied upon confirmatory of such a supposition. There are 
distinct notices of voyages undertaken along the eastern 
and western coast of Africa, the southern coast of Asia, 
and the northern of I-^urope; but there is no shadow of 
evidence that any mariner of the Old World had the hardi- 
hood to steer into the vast ocean of the we.st. 




Landing of the Northmf.n. 



A story of a more recent dale exists, founded on a tra- 
dition of a voyage made by a body of Welsh, imder JVince 
Madoc, to America; but this is a pure fiction. The first 
European visitors of the western continent were, undoubt- 



66 



SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 



edly, the Norllinicn, who, during the middle ages, had set- 
tled in Iceland and (jJreenland. These hardy and adven- 
turous navigators gradually extended their voyages to the 
coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, and by the begin- 
ning of the eleventh century had established themselves 
on the territory of the United States, — a remarkable fact, 
Avliich the recent discovery of Icelandic historical records 
seems to have substantiated beyond all reasonable doubt. 
The Northmen named the country Vinland, from the 
abundance of wild grapes which they fomid growing. 
They appear to have been well acquainted with the coun- 




Bound tower at Rhode Island. 



try around IMassachusctts Bay, and to have formed a set- 
tlement in Rhode Island. How long they remained here, 
is not known. There exists at this day, on the shore of 



BIRTH OF COLUMBUS, 



57 



Narraganset Bay, a stone tower of singular construction, 
and of which no one knows the age or purpose. There 
is nothing simihir to it throughout the country, and it is 
regarded as one of the rehcs of the Northmen. Tlieir 
colony appears to have been either depopulated by pesti- 
lence or exterminated by the Indians. 

The Northmen of that period were the chief maritinio 
people of Europe, and when the colony of Vinland was 
abandoned by them, it soon became forgotten. The west- 
ern continent remained unknown to the eastern, till the 
days of Christopher Columbus, who has been regarded as 




Portrait of Columbus. 



the true discoverer of the New World. Columbus was an 
Italian, born in the territory of Genoa, about the year 1446. 
His father was a wool-comber, and the son became a sailor, 
having previously obtained a considerable degree of learn- 
ing. In the course of his voyages he visited Iceland, 
where he is supposed to have picked up some obscure 
information of the existence of a western continent, which 
still lurked in the traditions of the Icelanders. 



68 SPANISH DISCOVEKIES AND CONQUESTS. 

From the whole of his maritime knowledge, and from 
profovnid meditation on tlie tli(X)ry of the curtli, as it was 
then miderstood, lie hecame fully convinced, not only that 
there must be inhabited lands further Avcst, but that a 
shorter passage to the East Indies, then the great object 
of the Portuguese navigators, might be found by steering 
in that direction, than round the continent of Africa. From 
the letters which passed between him and Paul Toscanclli, 
a Florentine of great skill in cosmography, it appears that 
he had entertained these notions as early as 1174. Inspired 
with this belief, he projected a plan of discovery and 
laid it before the government of Genoa; but the want of 
an enterprising spirit, and, perhaps, narrow conceptions, 
caiiscd his oiler to be rejected, as the scheme of a vision- 
ary. Columbus next applied to John II., king of Portugal, 
who received him favorably; but the officers whom he 
appointed to consider of the matter were mean and treach- 
erous enough to despatch, secretly, an expedition of their 
own, furnished with the charts and directions of Columbus, 
to rob him of the glory of accomplishing his own great 
design. The Portuguese navigators, however, hnd not the 
courage to sail far, and Columbus, fired with indignation 
at this base treatment, immediately left Lisbon, and pro- 
ceeded to Spain. At the same time he sent his brother, 
Bartholomew, to England, to make a proposal of his scheme 
to Henry VII. 

Ferdinand and Isabella were then carrying on a war 
against the Moors of Cranada. Columbus, no way dis- 
couraged by this unfavorable conjuncture of affairs, imme- 
diately laid his plan before tlio Spanish court. Ferdinand 
and Isabella received him courteously, and listened to the 
proposal, but, not feeling competent to decide upon a matter 
which required so miich scienlific knowledge, they referred 
it to tlie consideration of a body of learned monks at Sala- 
manca. These profound scholars were startled at the bold- 
ness of the theory proposed by Cohunbus, and quoted texts 
of Scripture against his mathematical arguments. Such 
men were not to be convinced, and his scheme was 
rejected. Seven years were spent in patient and repeated 



COLUMBUS AT THE SPANISH COURT. 



59 



solicitations, at the Spanish court, and Cohimbus was 
about to abandon the country in despair and betake him- 




Columhus soliciting the quctn. 

self to France, when he received unexpected encourage- 
ment from Marchena, the superior of the convent at l^a 
Rabida, an old acquaintance of Columbus, who persuaded 
him to remain a little longer, while he made exertions in 
his behalf with the king and queen. This ecclesiastic 
interceded so warmly with Ferdinand and Isabella, that 
the queen was gained over ; but the cold-hearted and par- 
simonious Ferdinand refused his assent, on tiie score of the 
expense attending the project. Once more rejected, Colum- 
bus lost all hope of Spain. He determined to abandon the 
kingdom forever, and immediately left the court. 

He had already proceeded some leagues on his journey, 
when he was overtaken by a messenger that had been 
despatched after him. The queen had oficred to pledge 
her jewels to raise money for the expedition, and the oppo- 
sition of Ferdinand was overcome. Diamonds have sel- 
dom been put to a nobler use. A treaty was immediately 
signed; Cokmibus was appointed admiral in all the seas to 
be discovered by him, and viceroy in all the territories; 



60 



SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 



and to enjoy, with his descendants, a tenth of all the profits 
accruing from the expedition. A fleet of three small ves- 
sels was equipped, and Columbus put to sea on the 3d of 
August, 1492. 




Columbus setting sail on Ins Jln^l voyage. 

His passage across the Atlantic lasted till the 12th of 
October, during which all his courage and talent was 
tasked to quiet the fears of his crew and overcome their 
mutinous disposition. At longlli his western course 
brought him in sight of tlic island of Gunnahani, one of 
the group now called the Bahamas. The Now World 
now lay disclosed to the astonished eyes of the Spaniards. 
Columbus, uttering thanks to Heaven, landed with great 
solemnity, and planted the cross on the island, and took 
possession of the new territory in the name of the king and 
queen of Spain. He named the island San Salvador; and 
conciliated the good-will of the naked and simple inliabi- 
tants by making them presents of toys, beads, looking- 
glasses, bells, &c., which they received with rapture, and 
returned with quantities of cotton yarn, provisions, and 
such other articles as they possessed. » 

Columbus, who imagined ho had arrived near the 



DISCOVERV OF THE WEST INDIES. 61 

continent of India, steered onward among the islands, 
expecting to reach Japan. He coasted along the north 



Columbus landing in America, 

side of Cuba, and sent a Ijody of men to explore the 
interior of that island. They travelled several days, and 
found the country populous and full of large villages. 
At one of these they saw a number of men regaling them- 
selves by sucking the smoke of dried and burning leaves 
through a tube called tahaco. 

This is the first mention in history of tobacco smoking; 
though the Spaniards had before seen some of the weed in 
the possession of the natives. Cohmibus then visited 
another large island called Hayii^ to which he gave the 
name of Espanola or Hispaniola. On the coast of this 
island his ship was wrecked. He built a fort out of the 
fragments, left a small colony here, and sailed for Spain. 
A terrible storm overtook him, and finding himself in dan- 
ger of being lost, he wrote a short account of his discovery, 
put it into a cask and threw it overboard, in hopes that it 
might be preserved if his ship sunk. The storm however 
6 



02 



SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 



subsided, and he arrived safely, on the 15th of Marcli, 
1493, at Palos, in Spain, the port from which he had sailed 
on his expedition. 




Discovery of tohncro. 




Columbus before the king and queen. 

Great was the exultation in Spain when it was known 



THIRD VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. 



63 



tljal Columbus had accomplished his voyage with success. 
His safe arrival was welcomed by public rejoicings ; and 
he became the object of unbounded praise and admiration. 
He repaired immediately to Barcelona, where the king 
and queen then held their court, and was received with all 
the honors due to the man who had achieved so extraor- 
dinary and important an enterprise. Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella caused him to be seated in their presence, listened to 
his narrative of the voyage, confirmed all his privileges, 
ennobled his family, and ordered a powerful armament to 
be fitted out to take possession of the newly-discovered 
territories. 

With seventeen ships and one thousand five hundred 
men, Columbus sailed on his second voyage to the west, 
September 25th, 141)3. Arriving at Hispaniola. he found 
his little colony at Navidad exterminated by the natives, 
whom the Spaniards had provoked by their licentious con- 
duct. He established new settlements in the island, dis- 




Columbhs )na!ung presents to the natkes. 

covered Porto Rico, Jamaica, and the Caribbee islands, and 
returned to Spain in June, 1196. On his third voyage, in 
1498, he discovered the main land of South America, at the 
mouth of the Orinoco. He again visited Hispaniola, and 
while engaged in regulating the affairs of the colony he 



64 SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 

was arrested by the Spanish governor, Bovadilla, who had 
been sent out from Spain for that purpose, in consequence 
of the calumnies and intrigues of the enemies of CoUmibus. 
He was carried in irons to Spain ; but tlie court, ashamed 
of persecuting a man to \vhom they were under such 
obhgations, ordered him to be released. In 1502, having 
successfully opposed the machinations of his enemies, he 
sailed on a fourth voyage, which proved very disastrous ; 
for though he explored a great extent of the coast of 
Mexico, he lost his ship on the shore of Jamaica, and 
remained a long time in a suffering state in that island. 

After a variety of adventures, he returned to Spain, for 
the last time, in November, 1504. The court of Spain 
treated him with the blackest ingratitude, defrauding him 
of the rank, authority, and emoluments which had been 
solemnly secured to him by treaty. Columbus died, pooi 
and neglected, at Valladolid, on the 20th of May, 1506. 
Even the honor of naming the continent he had discovered, 
was denied him, by a combination of fraud and accident. 
Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine in the Spanish service, 
made several voyages to the New World, and published 
accounts of them, which he so falsified as to make it appear 
that the main land was first discovered by him. The name 
of America was therefore applied to the continent; nor was 
the imposition discovered till this appellation had become 
common, and it was too late to substitute for it the rigiit- 
ful one of Columhia. 

The Spaniards, in the mean time, had been extending 
their discoveries under other leaders. Nunez de Balboa, a 
daring and adventurous chieftain, landed on the Isthmus 
of Darien, and founded a settlement there in 1510. 

The time was now come, when the second great 
discovery of the Western World was to be made. Balboa 
determined to ascertain for himself and the world the 
wonders that lay beyond the mountains. He rapidly col- 
lected a hundred and ninety Spanish soldiers, a thousand 
Indians, and with some bloodhounds, which were deemed 
a necessary part of an Indian enterprise, and which some- 



DISCOVERY OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 



65 



times proved a formidable one to the unfortunate natives, 
he marched into the wilderness. 




Balboa discovering the Pacific Ocean. 

The Indian tribes were instantly roused; and Ihe 
Spaniards had scarcely reached the foot of the Sierra, when 
they found their warriors, headed by their caciques, drawn 
up in a little army. The Indians, like the ancient Greeks, 
first defied the enemy by loud reproaches and expressions 
of scorn. They then commenced the engagement. Tore- 
cha, their king, who, if the Indians had found a bard or 
historian, might have been a Hector or Leonidas, stood 
forth in front of his people, clothed in a regal mantle, and 
gave the word of attack. The Indians rushed on with 
shouts; but the Spanish crossboAvs and muskets were 
terrible weapons to their naked courage. The Indians 
were met by a shower of shafts and balls, which threw 
them into confusion. They saw before them the bearers 
of what to their conceptions were the thunder and light- 
ning, followed by a more certain and sweeping death than 
was inflicted by those weapons of angry Heaven. Their 
heroic king, and six hundred of their warriors, were soon 
left dead on the spot, and over their bodies Balboa marched 
to the plunder of their city. 
6# 



66 SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 

Balboa now commenced the ascent of the mountains. 
The distance from sea to sea is, at its extreme width, but 
eighteen leagues, and at its narrowest but seven. The 
distance to the Pacific from Careta, the commencement of 
their march, is but six days' journey ; but with them it cost 
twenty days. The great mountain chain, which forms the 
spine of the New World from north to south, composes the 
Isthmus ; and the march of the Spaniards was impeded by 
all the difliculties of a mountainous region, in a burning 
and unhealthy climate, and in a soil overgrown with the 
wild and undisturbed vegetation of ages. But the moment 
that was to repay, and more than repay, all these fatigues, 
was at hand. Of all the strong and absorbing pleasures 
of the human mind, there is none equal to the pleasure of 
new knowledge. Discovery, in whatever form of science, 
fills the mind with something more nearly approaching to 
an ecstasy, than any other delight of which our nature is 
capable. The sudden opening of those portals, which have 
hitherto hopelessly excluded us from the peculiar knowledge 
that we longed to possess — the Vast region of inquiry, feel- 
ing, fame, and truth, that often seems to be given for our 
especial dominion by a single fortunate step — the new and 
brilliant light that flashes over the whole spirit of man, in 
the sudden seizure of one of those great principles which 
are the key to knowledge, — altogether make a combination 
of high and vivid impulses, unrivalled in the history of 
human enjoyment. Philosophers and kings might envy 
the feelings of Balboa, when, after toiling through forests 
that seemed interminable, his Indian guides, the Quare- 
quonos, pointed out to him, among the misty summits of 
the hills before him, the one from which the object of all 
his toils, the Pacific, was visible. Balboa proudly reserved 
the honor of this magnificent discovery for himself. He 
commanded his troops to halt at the foot of the hill. He 
ascended alone, with his sword drawn, like a conqueror 
taking possession of a citadel won after some arduous siege ; 
and, having reached the summit, cast his eyes around. 
The Pacific spread out before him ! 

Balboa fell on his knees, and, weeping, offered his thanks- 



^1* 



INVASION OF MEXICO BY CORTEZ. 67 

giving to Heaven, for the bounty that had suffered him to 
see this glorious sight. His troops had watched his ascent 
of the mountain with the eagerness of men who felt their 
fates bound up in his success, but when they saw his 
gestures of delight and wonder, followed by his falling on 
his knees, and prayer, the)'- became incapable of all 
restraint, and indulged in unbounded exultation. This 
was on the 25th of September, 1513. Balboa made his 
way to the shore, embarked in a canoe, explored a part of 
the coast, and returned, making known to the Spanish 
nation the existence of another ocean, beyond the Atlantic. 

After establishing settlements on the principal islands of 
the West Indies, the Spaniards obtained intelligence of the 
existence of a rich and powerful empire on the continent, 
named Mexico. Stimulated by avarice and ambition, the 
governor of Cuba, Diego Velasquez, despatched an expedi- 
tion to Mexico, in 1518. The leader of this expedition 
was Hernando Cortez, who, with ten vessels, carrying six 
hundred men, eighteen horses, ten pieces of cannon, and 
thirteen muskets, undertook the conquest of this great 
empire. Cortez, after touching at various places, landed 
on the continent at St. Juan de Ulua, in April, 1519. Here 
he met some Mexican chiefs, who were anxious to know 
his intentions. Cortez informed them he was upon a 
mission from the king of Spain, and had matters of 
importance to communicate to the emperor Montezuma. 
While these explanations were going on, the Mexicans 
were drawing pictures on cotton cloth, representing the 
ships, horses, and artillery of the Spaniards, in order to 
acquaint the emperor with the wonderful objects which 
could not be described by words. To awe them still more, 
Cortez displayed the evolutions of his men and horses, and 
discharged his cannon. The terrified Mexicans fell to the 
ground, and so many of them ran away that it was diffi- 
cult to subdue their alarm and regain their confidence. 

Cortez founded a settlement at this place, which is now 
known as Vera Cruz. Determined to run every risk to 
accomplish the subjugation of the country, he set fire to his 
ships, that his men should have no means of retreat, and 



68 SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 

took up his march for the interior. He gained over to his 
purpose several of the subordinate chiefs Avho were impa- 
tient of the Mexican yoke. The cacique of Zempoalla 
impiored his assistance, and furnished him with provisions 
and two hundred Indians to carry burdens ; an invahiable 
service in a country where beasts of draught or burden 
were unknown. On reaching a territory of the Tlascalans, 
the inhabitants attacked him, supposing he was seeking 
the friendship of the Mexicans, their implacable enemies ; 
but, after an incredible slaughter of their troops, six 
thousand of tlicni joined the Spaniards. With this rein- 
forcement Cortez reached the country of the Cholulans, 
who, being the hereditary enemies of the Tlascalans, refused 
to admit them into their holy citj^ of Cholula, Avhere the 
great pyramid is situated. But subsequently, in obedience 
to the conmiand of Montezuma, they received the Spaniards, 
at the same time forming a plot against them. Cortez, 
anticipating their treachery, destroyed six thousand of 
them without the loss of a single soldier, and continued 
his march to the capital. 

Montezuma was struck with consternation at the ap- 
proach of these strange and audacious invaders. An 
ancient tradition existed, that a wonderful race of men, the 
descendants of the sun, would one day come from the east 
and overthrow the Mexican empire. Under the intluence of 
a superstitious terror caused by this tradition, the Mexicans 
took no etfectual measures to obstruct the progress of the 
Spaniards, and they advanced to the city of Mexico, in 
which place they were amicably received on the Sth of 
November, 1519, After remaining some time in the 
capital, Cortez, finding it difficult to accomplish his purpose 
by negotiation and intrigue, seized by force the person 
of Montezuma, carried him to his own quarters, and 
loaded him with irons. The emperor, finding himself a 
close prisoner, was persuaded to acknowledge the king of 
Spain as his lord, but no inducements could prevail on him 
to embrace Christianity; and when Cortez led his troops" 
to stop the human sacrifices, and throw down the idols in 
the great temple, both the priests and the people rose in 



CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 1020. 69 

arms, and obliged hiui to desist. After this provocation, 
the Mexicans determined to expel the invaders, and Monte- 
zuma, though a prisoner, assumed the tone ot" a sovercign 
and ordered Cortez to depart. 

In tlie mean time Cortez was in danger of being deprived 
of his authority by Velasquez, who had fitted out the 
armament. That oilieer had liardly dismissed Oortcz upon 
the expedition, when he became disquieted ])y suspicions 
tiiat he might discard his authority and elfect the conquest 
in his own name. Under these fears he made several 
attempts to check the enterprise before anything had been 
accomplished, but Cortez frustrated all his schemes. He 
formally renounced the authority of Velasipiez on his land- 
ing in Mexico, and pursued iiis object in the name only of 
the king. Velasquez determined to reduce him to submis- 
sion by force ; accordingly lie despatched a strong fleet of 
eighteen ships, with one thousand men, against him, under 
Pamphilo de Narvaez. While Cortez held Montezuma 
prisoner, he received intelligence of the arrival of this force 
upon the coast, lie instantly marched agtiinst him, leaving 
the emperor in charge of Alvarado, with a small body of one 
hundred and forty men, giving Montezuma to understand 
that he was going to meet liis friends. In the dead of the 
night he fell upon Narvaez, at Zempoalla, defeated his 
troops, made him prisoner, and hastened back to Mexico. 

The Mexicans iiad revolted during his absence, and 
Cortez found himself engaged in a desperate conflict with 
the hihabitants of the capital. Montezuma, in attempting 
to appease his subjects, was killed by them, and the Span- 
iards found themselves under the necessity of abandoning 
the city. Mexico was situated in the midst of a lake, and 
communicated with the main land by causeways. The 
Spaniards began their retreat over one of these cause- 
ways under cover of the night. The Mexicans attacked 
them on their march, and committed great slaughter 
among them. The Spanish soldiers, encumbered with 
their baggage and loads of gold plundered from the Mex- 
icans, sunk in the water and mud, and were suflbcated in 
great numbers. A portion only of the army reached the 



70 



SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 



shore. The Mexicans, elated with their victory, pursued 
the Spaniards, but Cortez, after recruiting his men, was 
soon able to give battle to his enemies, and defeated them 
m the plain of Otumba, on the 7th of July, 1520. This 
victory enabled him to subdue some of the neighboring 
territories, with the assistance of the Tlascalans ; and, with 
ten thousand auxiliary Indians, he again marched upon 
Mexico. He built a fleet upon the lake, laid close siege to 
the city, and made prisoner of the emperor Guatimozin, 
who was attempting to make his escape to the continent. 
After a siege and almost constant battle of seventy-four 
days, Mexico was taken by the Spaniards, on the 13th of 
August, 1521. The whole empire shortly after submitted. 
An expedition, led by Alvarado, made a speedy conquest 
of the neighboring kingdom of Guatimala. 




CHAPTER V. 

Discoveries and Conquests of the Spaniards, — Expedition of the 
Spaniards into the South Sea — Invasion of Peru by Pizarro and Alma- 
gro — Civil war in Peru — Intrigues of Pizarro — Negotiations between 
Atahualpa and Pizarro — Arrival of the Spaniards at Caxamalca — 
Treachery of Pizarro — Atahualpa seized ly the Spaniards — Cruelties 
of the Spaniards — They subjugate and plunder the ivhole country — 
Expeditions to Chili, La Plata and Paraguay — Extirpation of the 
natives in the West Indies — Las Casas — Importation of negroes from 
Africa — Expedition of Ponce de Leon — Discovery of Florida — The 
Fountain of Youth — Invasion of Florida by Soto — Adventures of the 
Spaniards-^ The Indian princess Cofachi.qui — The temple of Tola- 
mcco — The Cacique Tascaluza — Bloody battle of Mauvila — T/ie Span- 
iards cross the Mississippi — Death of Soto — Sufferings and losses of 
the Spaniards — They abandon Florida. 

The Spaniards, having formed a settlement at Panama, 
on the South Sea, soon pushed their discoveries along the 
coast. Three of them, in 1524, entered into an association 
for the purpose of exploring the continent south of the 
isthmus. These were Francisco Pizarro, Diego Almagro, 
and Hernando de Luque ; the two former, soldiers, and 
the latter a priest. Pizarro took the lead, and embarked 
from Panama with one hundred and fourteen men. The 
country at the south, he was informed by the natives, 
contained abundance of the precious metals, and Pizarro 
soon found his hopes realized and his avaricious passions 
stimulated by the sight of these desirable objects. Land- 
ing at Tumbez, in the Bay of Guayaquil, he was struck 
with the high state of civilization among the inhabitants, 
and still more by the abundance of gold and silver uten- 
sils in their possession. Here he received intelligence of 
the great empire of Peru, but finding his force insufficient 
for the invasion of the country, he returned to Panama to 
organize a stronger expedition. 



72 SPANISH WSCOVERIES AND COJJQDESTS. 

After great exertions, a larger force was assembled, and 
Pizarro resumed his enterprise in February, 1531. Pro- 
ceeding along the coast, he captured the town of Coaque, 
which he plundered of a considerable quantity of gold ; 
this he sent back to Panama for the purpose of raising 
reinforcements. Being strengthened by these supplies, 
he advanced along the coast to the river Piura, where he 
founded the first Spanish colony in Peru, giving it the 
name of San Miguel. He subdued all the Indian chiefs 
in the neighborhood, and soon learned that Peru was at 
that time involved in a civil war. Two rival brothers, 
Huascar and Atahualpa, were contending for the supreme 
power. Pizarro received a message from Huascar, affirm- 
ing his own right to the crown, and entreating his assist- 
ance in subduing Atahualpa. Pizarro saw at once that 
he had arrived in Peru at a conjuncture very favorable to 
his designs ; and he determined to take instant advantage 
of the distracted state of the country. Leaving a garrison 
in San Miguel, he struck at once into the interior, under 
the guidance of one of the Peruvian messengers. His 
force consisted of sixty-two horsemen and one hundred 
and two foot soldiers, twenty of whom were armed with 
cross-bows, and three carried matchlocks ; he had also 
two small field-pieces. Atahualpa, in the meantime, at- 
tacked the army of Huascar, defeated it, and took him 
prisoner ; thus becoming Inca, or sovereign, of the whole 
country. 

Atahualpa sent emissaries to Pizarro with costly pres- 
ents. The Spanish leader informed them that his views 
were entirely pacific, and that his only purpose was to 
assist in composing the difference between the two broth- 
ers. With these falsehoods and hypocritical pretences, he 
allayed the suspicions of the Inca. Pizarro marched on to 
Caxamalca, where Atahualpa met him in the most friendly 
manner, and assigned quarters for the Spaniards in a large 
square, containing a temple and a palace, and siirrounded 
by a strong rampart. The Inca paid them a visit, attended 
by an immense train of courtiers and warriors. 

A scheme of the most infamous treachery was now 



CONQUEST OF PERU, 1531. 73 

devised by Pizarro, who, as well as his followers, found 
his thirst of gold stimulated to the highest degree by the 
sight of the enormous wealth of the Peruvians. The per- 
fidious wretches contrived to ensnare the confiding and 
unsuspecting monarch into an ambush among their armed 
bands, when, at a signal given, Valverde, the chaplain of 
the expedition, — for these robbers and murderers gave the 
sanction of religion to all their atrocities, — advanced to- 
wards the Inca, with a crucifix and a breviary, and began 
a long harangue, urging him to embrace Christianity, and 
telling him that the king of Spain had received a grant 
from the pope of all the regions in the New World. He 
therefore desired the Inca to be baptized, to acknowledge 
the supremacy of the pope, and the authority of the king ; 
promising, in their names, that the general would inter- 
cede in his favor with the king if he submitted, but denounc- 
ing war and vengeance if he refused. Atahualpa, although 
much surprised at what he could understand of this absurd 
and impudent proposal, yet replied calmly, that he was the 
rightful sovereign of Peru, which he governed according 
to the laws of the country ; and that he could not conceive 
how a foreign priest should pretend to give away his king- 
dom. He further declared that he had no intention of 
renouncing the religion of his ancestors; and he wished 
to know where the Spaniards had learnt all the wonderful 
things Valverde had told him. " In ibis book," replied 
the priest, holding it up to him. Atahualpa took it, turned 
over a few of the leaves, placed it to his ear, and threw it 
to the ground, saying, " This thing is silent, — it tells me 
nothing." 

At this action, Valverde, in great indignation, real or 
pretended, exclaimed, turning to the troops, " To arms ! 
to arms ! Christians ! — the word of God is insulted ! — 
avenge this profanation on these impious dogs." The 
Spaniards instantly fell upon the Peruvians, who fled 
before them without offering the slightest resistance. Ata- 
hualpa was taken prisoner, and the Spaniards butchered 
the unresisting natives, till night and weariness put an end 
to the horrible slaughter. Four thousand of the Indians 
7 



74 SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 

were killed, without the loss of a man to their enemies. 
The panic occasioned by this dreadful carnage, and the 
possession of the Inca's person, enabled the Spaniards 
quickly, with the assistance of the reinforcements which 
Almagro brought into the country, to overrun the whole 
of Peru. Atahualpa offered immense quantities of gold 
for his ransom. Pizarro took the gold, but, instead of 
releasing his prisoner according to his promise, this re- 
morseless wretch caused him to be strangled at the stake. 
By these and other monstrous cruelties, disgraceful to 
human nature, was the great and wealthy empire of Peru 
brought under the Spanish dominion. The blood-thirsty 
robbers who accomplished these deeds, all met with the 
fate due to their atrocious crimes ; assassination and the 
scaffold closed the career of the infamous Pizarro and his 
companions. 

Shortly after the subjugation of Peru, the Spaniards 
crossed the Andes, and invaded Chili, the northern part 
of which was easily subdued. But the martial tribes of 
the south for a long time kept them engaged in wars. 
Some of these tribes still maintain their independence. 
Paraguay and La Plata Averc explored by the Spaniards, 
and settlements founded there, early in the sixteenth cen- 
tury. Brazil was discovered by the Portuguese in ] 5U0, 
and colonized shortly after. 

In the American territories conquered by the Spaniards, 
the original race of inhabitants were soon converted to 
Christianity. These aborigines remain to the present day, 
with the exception of the West India Islands, which con- 
tained a population of several millions at the period of the 
discovery, but in a few years were entirely stripped of 
their native inhabitants by the rapacious cruelty of their 
Spanish tyrants. The Indians were all reduced to slavery, 
and set to work in the mines and on the plantations, where 
they perished miserably, from over-working, starvation, or 
suicide. The islands being depopulated, it was found 
necessary to procure laborers from some other quarter, and 
unfortunately, a scheme was proposed, which, although 
prompted by the most philanthropic motives, led to the 



DISCOVERY OF FLORIDA. 1512. 



76 



most deplorable results. Las Casas, a Spanish prelate, 
who had settled in the New World, touched with com- 
passion at the dreadful fate of the Indians, and desirous to 
save the few remnants of that unfortunate race which still 
existed, proposed to supply their place with negroes from 
Africa, who were better able to perform the labor of the 
Spaniards than the feeble Americans. Charles V., per- 




Charles V. signing a patent for sending negroes to America. 

suaded by his representations, granted a license to one of 
his Flemish courtiers, to import four thousand blacks into 
the West Indies, and this was the origin of the slave trade. 
Florida was discovered by Ponce de Leon, a Spanish 
navigator, in 1512. This adventurer, while cruising 
among the islands in the West Indies, heard a story among 
the Carib natives, that highly inflamed his imagination. 
A tradition had long existed among them that in the 
southern part of the continent, existed a fountain, whose 
waters possessed such rare virtue that any man, however 
advanced in age, who plunged therein, became instantly 
restored to youth. The Spaniards, ever fond of romance, 
greedily swallowed this marvellous tale, and undertook 
voyages to discover the Fountain of Youth. Many Indians 



\\ 



76 



SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 



had embarked in quest of it from time to time, but as they 
never returned, they were supposed to be so charmed with 
the country, and the all-heahng water, that they took up 
their abode there for hfe. In this pursuit Ponce de L-eon 
sailed up and down among the Hahama islands, landing 
everywhere and plunging into every pond and puddle, in 
the hopes of emerging in all the vigor of youth. In this 
extravagant enterprise, he came unexpectedly, in 1512, 
in sight of a shore he had never seen before, and which, f 
from the flowery appearance of the woods, he named 
Florida. All his researches, however, could not bring to 
hght the miraculous fountain, and the Spaniards abandon- 
ed this chimerical pursuit, and turned their attention to the 
conquest of the newly-discovered territory. 




Fawntaitt of Yiyyth. 

Three unsuccessful attempts were made under Ponce, 
Gomez, and Narvaez. At length, in 1539, Hernando de 
Soto, governor of Cuba, fitted out an expedition of nine 
ships, carrying six hundred soldiers and two hundred and 
tliirteen horses. They landed in the Bay of Espiritu Santo 



SOTO S INVASION OF FLORIDA. 



-1539. 



77 



on the 30th of May. Finding a Spaniard on the coast, 
who had been wrecked there twelve years before, and had 
hved among the natives, tliey were furnished with a guide 
and interpreter, and set out on their march in quest of the 
precious metals. They traversed a wide extent of terri- 
tory, and encountered all sorts of adventures. Their first 
year was spent in the peninsula of East Florida. Then 
tiiey marched northeast into Georgia and South Carolina ; 
then west across the Allegany Mountains; then north, 
then south through Alabama, int[uiring everywhere for 
gold and silver, often hearing of them, but linding none. 
The Indians were sometimes hostile, and at other times 
friendly, but never otfering any effectual obstruction to the 
progress of the Spaniards. Their sulierings were occa- 
sionally very severe, and their adventures bordered upon 
romance. 




Indian princess, Cofachiqni, going to meet the Spaniards. 

Arriving one day on the banks of a wide river, which 
appears to have been somewhere in Alabama, he was 
informed by his guides that the territory on the other side 

7* 



78 SPANISH DISCOVERIES AND CONQUESTS. 

was governed by a young Indian princess, named Cofachi- 
qui. The princess, being informed of the approach of tlie 
Spaniards, sailed down the river to meet them. She sat 
in a canoe of state, ornamented in the highest manner, and 
attended by a number of her principal ladies. The Span- 
iards were enchanted by her beauty, and the gentle grace- 
fulness and propriety of her behavior. She took a large 
string of pearls from her neck and presented it to the 
Spanish general, informing him that she had provided 
spacious quarters in her town, and an abundant supply of 
provisions for his troops. The Spaniards marched into 
the town, and found everything at their disposal. Cofa- 
chiqui entertained them in the most liberal manner, and 
even allowed them to ransack the tombs and temples, and 
take away the vast store of pearls which they found in 
those deposites. In a town in the neighborhood, named 
Tolomeco, the Spaniards found a temple three himdred 
feet in length and one hundred and twenty in breadth, 
with the roof covered by a brilliant tiling of shell-work. 
The entrance of the temple was adorned with twelve 
statues of giants in armor ; and in the interior Avcre 
ranged, round the walls, other statues of men and women, 
which excited the admiration of the Spaniards. Under 
ground were vaults, in which the bodies of the royal race 
were deposited. The Spaniards loaded themselves with 
the pearls which they foimd here. After staying some 
days at the capital of Cofachiqui, they departed, amply 
supplied with everything, by their fair benefactor, whose 
generosity they requited by the basest treachery. They 
carried her off captive, but she had the good fortune to 
escape from them at the end of a few days. 

In his further progress througli the country, Soto arrived 
in the territory of a chief, named Tascaluza. At Mauvila, 
or Mobile, he found a considerable town, with a strong 
palisaded intrenchment. The inhabitants had conceived a 
strong dislike for the Spaniards, which was aggravated by 
their insulting conduct in imprisoning Tascaluza, their 
chief This ill-feeling soon broke out in a furious conflict, 
in which the Spaniards set jfire to Mativila, and the town 



THE SPANIARDS ABANDON FLORIDA. 1543, 



79 



was entirely consumed. Upwards of two thousand of the 
Indians were killed in fight, or burnt to death. 

The country around Mauvila was populous and hostile. 
There was no gold to be found ; and the Spaniards had 
already lost above a hundred of their party. Soto deter- 
mined to retreat; and after three or four weeks' stay, to 
refresh his army, he bent his course to the north. Arrived 
near the source of the Yazoo, he put his men into Avinter 
quarters, and the next spring, 1541, recommenced his 
march toward the west. He crossed the Mississippi about 
the thirty-fourth degree of latitude, and spent all the sum- 
mer rambling up and down the western bank. At the 
approach of winter, a fort was built, and the army lodged 
there in safety. In the spring, Soto found his health and 
strength rapidly declining, under the fatigues and anxieties 
of his undertaking. He fell into a fever, and died, on the 
21st of May, 1542, at a place named Guacoya. 

Soto's successor in command, Luis de Moscosa, was not 
able to bring the enterprise to a favorable issue. The 
Spaniards continued to wander about on the western side 
of the Mississippi till the next summer, when, worn out 
and discouraged with fatigue, disappointment, and the loss 
of men, they built some vessels on the river, in which the 
shattered remnants of the army, consisting of three hun- 
dred and eleven men, sailed down the Mississippi, and 
returned to Cuba in September, 1543. 




Indians Hunting. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Discovery of the United Statks. — Voyage of the Cabots. — Discovery 
of Xorth America. — Voyage of Corfereal. — Voyage of Veraztani. — 
Discover!/ of the tchole coast of the United States. — Voyage of Carticr. 
— Discovery of the river St. Lawrence. — Cartier ascends the river to 
Montreal. — Expedition of Roberval to Canada, — Failure of the early 
attempts of the French ai colonization. 

The first discovery of the continent of North America, 
like that of the southern continent, was made by an Itahan. 
The attention paid to maritime affairs by the commercial 
states of Italy, and especially by the republics of Genoa and 
Venice, is known to all who are familiar with the history 
of Europe during the fifteenth century. Italian merchants 
and agents of rich commercial houses, were found settled 
in every European state ; and the impulse given to human 
curiosity and the spirit of adventure, by the discoveries of 
the Portuguese and Spaniards, rendered the science of cos- 
mography and navigation the most popular subjects of 
instruction that were then taught in the schools. They 
were considered the certain guides to daring and success- 
ful enterprise, and the sure means of acquiring wealth and 
fame. It was at this interesting period, in the year 149-1, 
that we find a Venetian, named .Tohn Cabot or Gabotto. a 
resident in the conmiercial city of Bristol, in England. He 
was one of those enthusiastic spirits upon whom the career 
of Columbus made a deep impression ; and about a year 
after the return of the great discoverer from his first 
voyage, Cabot appears to have conceived the notion that 
new lands might be found in the northwest, and probably 
a passage by this course to India. Animated by such a 
project, he addressed himself to Henry VII.. who was then 
upon the throne of England, and found immediate encour- 



VOYAGE OF CABOT AND CORTEREAL. 1500. 81 

agement from that monarch, who, though of a cold and 
cautious disposition, was seldom slow to listen to any pro- 
posal which promised any gain to his treasury. On the 
5th of March, 1495, the king granted a commission to 
Cabot and his sons Lewis. Sebastian, and Sanchez, authori- 
zing them to sail to all countries and seas of the East, West, 
and iS'oith; under the banner of England, to make discov- 
eries and take possession of all new territories, in the name 
of the king, who was to receive the fifth part of all the 
profits upon every voyage. 

Cabot sailed upon this expedition in the spring of 1497, 
taking with him his son, Sebastian ; and on the 24th of 
June discovered the island of Newfoundland, which he 
named Terra Primum Yisa. No journal or narrative of 
this voyage was ever published, so that we have no other 
details of the discovery. Cabot appears to have returned 
immediately to England : and the next summer despatched 
his son Sebastian, with two ships. They visited New- 
foundland again : but no permanent establishment appears 
to have been made in the comitry. The entei'prise lan- 
guished for some time, on account of the domestic troubles 
in England, and after an interval of fourteen years, Cabot 
left the country and entered the Spanish service. 

The Portuguese next took up the business. Gaspar 
Cortereal sailed, with two ships, from Lisbon, in 1500. He 
discovered the coast of Labrador, and ransred along; the 
shore for six hundred miles. The country is described as 
containing mighty rivers, which, from their size, evidently 
showed that this was a continent and no island. The 
land was thickly peopled ; the houses were built of long 
beams of timber, and covered with furs and the skins of 
fishes. The people, in complexion, figure, stature, and 
expression, greatly resembled gipsies. They were clothed 
with the skins of beasts, wrapped round them, just as they 
were taken from the animal. The Portuguese found here a 
piece of a broken sword, inlaid with gold, which was evi- 
dently of European workmanship. Cortereal seized by 
force seven of the natives, and carried them off for slaves ; 
an act of inhumanity, for which he was pmiished the fol- 



82 DISCOVERY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

lowing year. Ho. set sail from Portugal, on a second voyage, 
on the 15tli of May, 1501, doubtless with the design of kid- 
napping more of the Indians ; but he was never heard of 
afterwards. His brother, Michael, sailed w^ith two ships, 
in search of him, and these, too, shared the same fate. 
Most probably they all fell victims to the just indignation 
of the natives, whose wives, children, and fathers had been 
stolen on the first voyage. The country of Labrador was 
lor some time called the land of the Cortereals ; and the 
Portuguese, on the strength of these voyages, attempted to 
establish a claim to the discovery of the whole continent. 

Sebastian Cabot, after some time spent in the Spanish 
service, returned to England, and made another voyage to 
America. He appears to have entered Hudson's Bay, but 
a mutiny of his men compelled him to return without 
accomplishing anything further. The business of dis- 
covery was next taken up by the French. A squadron of 
four ships was fitted out by Francis I., under the command 
of .Tolm Verazzani, a Florentine navigator of great skill 
and celebrity. He sailed in 1523, touching at Madeira, 
from which he pursued a westerly course. A storm 
attacked him, in which his little vessel nearly perished, but 
at length he came in sight of an unknown coast, which 
appears to have been Carolina. Large fires were seen 
upon the beach, and other signs of inhabitants were visible. 
Verazzani, however, sought in vain for a harbor, and 
after exploring the coast both south and north without 
success, he was compelled to anchor in the open sea, after 
which, he sent his boat on shore to open an intercourse 
with the natives. This he effected, not without some 
ditliculty; for as soon as the French landed, the savages 
fled in great trepidation; yet, they soon after stole back, 
exhibiting signs of much wonder and curiosity. At last, 
being convinced they had nothing to fear, they recovered 
their confidence, and not only brought provisions to the 
strangers, bnt assisted them in drawing their boat ashore, 
and carefully scrutinizod everything belonging to the vessels 
and crew. They admired the white skins of the strangers, 
handled their dress, and exhibited the utmost astonishment 



VOYAGE OF VERAZZANI. — ^1523. 83 

and delight. The Indians were a handsome race of 
people ; their eyes were dark and large, with a bold, open 
and cheerful expression ; and they were very swift of foot. 
Their color was tawny, not unlike the Saracens, and they 
wore their hair, which was black and thick, tied behind 
the head in a little tail, and sometimes ornamented with a 
garland of feathers. Their only dress was a short apron 
of furs. 

The land about the coast was sandy, rising into gentle 
undulations; farther inland, it became more elevated, 
and was covered by noble woods, consisting, not of the 
European forest trees, but of palms, laurels, cypresses and 
others, then unknown in Europe, which grew to a great 
height, and diffused a delicious perfume that extended far 
out to sea. The French were enchanted with everything 
they found here. They coasted along the shore, which 
turned to the eastward, and appeared to be thickly 
inhabited ; the surf, however, rendered it almost impossible 
to land. In this perplexity, a young sailor undertook to 
swim ashore and accost the natives ; but as he approached 
the land, and beheld the crowds which thronged the beach, 
he repented of his purpose, and although within a few 
yards of the landing place, his courage failed, and he 
attempted to turn back. At this moment the water only 
reached his waist, but overcome Avith terror and fatigue, 
he had scarcely strength to cast his trinkets upon the beach, 
when a high wave cast him senseless upon the shore. The 
natives took him up and carried him a little distance from 
the sea, where he came to himself, and his terror was 
renewed to a tenfold degree when he found himself entirely 
in the power of the savages. He stretched his hand 
towards the ship and uttered a loud shriek, which the 
Indians accompanied with a still louder yell. They then 
carried him to the foot of a tree, kindled a large fire, and 
stripped him naked. The unhappy man now gave himself 
up for lost; no doubt existed in his mind that they were 
about to kill and roast him. His companions on board, 
from the violence of the sea, were unable to assist him, and 
were of the same opinion. But their fears soon gave way 



84 DISCOVERY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

to surprise and gratitude. The humane Indians dried his 
clothes, warmed him, caressed and patted his white skin, 
and showed him every mark of kindness. Observing that he 
still trembled and looked suspicious, they assisted him to 
dress, conducted him to the beach, embraced him in a 
friendly manner, and pointed to the ship to show that he 
was at liberty to return to his friends. He swam out to the 
ship's boat, and the Indians continued to gaze after him till 
they saw him safe on board. The spot where this adventure 
occurred, is supposed to have been somewhere on the coast 
of New Jersey. 

Leaving this place, Verazzani sailed along the coast to 
the northeast, and after a run of fifty leagues came to 
anchor oft' a delightful country covered with the finest 
forests. The trees, although equally luxuriant, were not so 
fragrant as those before seen ; but the land was rich, covered 
with grass, and thickly peopled, although the natives 
appeared more timid than the others, and avoided all 
intercourse. The sailors, however, discovered and seized a 
family, who had concealed themselves in the underwood, 
consisting of an old woman, a tall, handsome young girl and 
six children. The females shrieked loudly, but the sailors 
pacified them, and understood by their signs that all the 
men had run off to the woods on the appearance of the ships. 
Much persuasion was practised to induce them to go on 
board; but the sailors could only carry off a little boy. 
The people here had fairer complexions than the others, 
and were dressed in Adam and Eve's first habiliments, — 
leaves sewed together. They had bows of hard wood, and 
arrows of cane, headed with fish bones. They sailed in 
canoes, made by hollowing the trunks of trees with fire, 
for they appeared to have no instruments of metal. Wild 
vines crept up the trunks of the trees, hanging in rich 
festoons from the branches, and the meadows were covered 
with roses, lilies, violets, and many sorts of herbs, different 
from those of Europe, yielding a fresh and delightful 
fragrance. 

A hundred leagues farther on, Verazzani came to a 
sheltered and beautiful bay, surrounded by gently rising 



VOYAGE OF VERAZZANI. — 1S23. 85 

hills, and discovered a large river, which, from its depth, 
seemed navigable to a considerable distance. The French 
ascended it in boats, and were enchanted with the beauty 
of its banks. Fifty leagues farther eastward, they reached 
another island, of a triangular shape, covered with rich 
woods and rising into gentle hills, which reminded them of 
Rhodes in its general appearance. A contrary wind ren- 
dered it impossible to land, and they sailed fifteen leagues 
farther along the coast, and found a harbor with an excel- 
lent anchorage. Here they were visited by the natives, 
who came in a squadron of twenty canoes, but cautiously 
kept at the distance of fifty paces. Observing, however, 
the friendly gestures of the strangers, they ventured nearer, 
and when the French threw them bells, mirrors, and other 
trinkets, they raised loud shouts, expressive of their joy 
and confidence, and immediately went on board. These 
natives are described by Verazzani as the finest and hand- 
somest race, and the most civilized in their manners, of any 
he had yet seen. Their color was fairer than that of the 
southern Indians, and in the symmetry of their forms and 
the simplicity and gracefulness of their attitudes, they 
almost equalled the antique. They soon became friendly 
and intimate, and conducted the French into the interior, 
which they found variegated with woods, and more delight- 
ful than can be easily described. It was interspersed with 
plains of twenty-five or thirty leagues in length, open and 
unencumbered with trees, and of a fertile soil, adapted to 
any sort of cultivation, whether of corn, vines or olives. 
The French entered the woods, which consisted of enor- 
mous trees, and were so thick that large armies might 
have been concealed in them. The trees were oak and 
cypresses, and others unknown in Europe. They found 
also apples, parsley, plums, nuts, and many sorts of fruit 
difierent from that of Italy. They saw many animals, as 
deer and wolves, which the natives caught in snares or 
shot with arrows. Their arrows were made with great 
neatness, and headed with stone. They used stone tools 
also, to fell trees and excavate tlieir canoes, some of which 
were large enough to carry a dozen men. They were 
8 



86 DISCOVERY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

exceedingly expert in managing their paddles, and went 
throush the Avater with wonderful swiftness. Their houses 
were circular, ten or twelve paces round, built of boards, 
covered with tiles of clay, of excellent woikmanship, which 
made a complete water-proof roof The Indians were shy 
on one subject only ; they would not allow the least inter- 
course between the strangers and their women. Their king 
and chief went on board Verazzani's ship, while his wife 
with her attendants remained in a boat at some distance, 
strictly guarded. 

Again weighing anchor, Verazzani sailed one hundred 
and fifty leagues farther ; the coast extended first to the 
east, and then toward the north. The country still looked 
inviting, but more hilly, and the weather was colder. 
Fifty leagues farther they came to a still more mountainous 
region, covered with thick, dark forests. This was doubt- 
less the state of Massachusetts. The natives here showed 
a very hostile disposition. Twenty-five of the crew, who 
landed, were received with a shower of arrows ; and 
although the Indians were presently conciliated by pres- 
ents, and entered into traffic with the French, yet they 
continued sullen and suspicious. The toys and trinkets 
they utterly despised, but received eagerly fish-hooks, 
knives, swords, saws, and other iron tools. Sailing fifty 
leagues more, they came to a cluster of thirty islands, sit- 
uated in a bay, — a description which points out, in precise 
terms, the Bay of Penobscot. Verazzani then directed his 
course to Newfoundland, where his provisions began to fail, 
and he bore away for home, where he arrived in July, 1524. 

The voyage of Verazzani was an enterprise of great 
magnitude, and deserves particular mention on account of 
the wide extent of the territory discovered during its pro- 
gress. This skilful and adventurous navigator explored 
upwards of two thousand miles of the coast of the United 
States, and made the world first acquainted with that 
noble region which has since become the richest, most 
powerful and most celebrated portion of the Avestern world. 
Verazzani named this Avliole territory New France. He 
laid before the king a plan for completing a survey of the 



VOYAGE OF CARTIEK. 1539. 87 

coast, exploring the interior and establishing a colony. He 
appears to have met with encouragement from Francis I., 
who embraced his proposals for colonization. Whether 
the scheme was frustrated by that fickleness of disposition 
so characteristic of the French, or by accident, cannot now 
be known. But from this date, the history of Verazzani 
is involved in great obscurity. One writer aflirms that he 
made three voyages to North America, and gave a map of 
the coast to Henry VHL, of England; which, if true, 
would indicate that he had left the French service. The 
story generally current is, that, in a subsequent voyage, he 
was killed and devoured by the natives ; but there is no 
authentic narrative of anything subsequent to his first 
voyage. 

After an interval of ten years, another French expedi- 
tion was fitted out from St. Malo, under Jacques Cartier. 
He sailed on the 20th of April, 1534, and visited New- 
foundland, which was still, in a great degree, an unknown 
territory. Cartier sailed nearly all round the island, coasted 
along the neighboring continent, and discovered the Gulf 
of St. Lawrence, but the season being far advanced, he 
•returned to France, without ascending the river. In a 
third expedition, the following year, he ascended the river 
with his ships to the head of navigation, and beyond this, 
in his boats, to the island of Montreal. The country 
appeared very inviting, a friendly intercourse was main- 
tained with the natives, and Cartier sailed home with 
three of them on board. Three or four years more elapsed 
before the French schemes of colonization were resumed, 
when Cartier, accompanied by the Sieur de Roberval, again 
visited Canada, and attempted a settlement at Quebec. 
But a jealousy breaking out between the two commanders, 
the enterprise miscarried, and for the next fifty years no 
further endeavors at colonization were made by the French 
government. We must now turn our attention to another 
quarter, and relate the persevering efibrts of the English, 
which at length resulted in laying the foundation of the 
mightiest empire in the Western World. 



CHAPTER YII. 

Skttlemext or TiaGnriA. — Str Walter Raleigh's attempts to colonize 
Vtr^xTua — Vayaxe of Amidas and Barlow to ybrth Carolma — Yoifase 
0f Grenmile — Settlemeni at Roanoke — Prospects of gold m. Virgmia — 
J%e tettleBtimi abaidimed — yew colony at StHcnoke^ and its disastrous 
fate — Fbys^ of yetcjiort and Gosnold — Captain Smith— Settlement 
of Jamestown. — Suferuigs of the colonists — Stmth ^pointed to the 
emmnand — IBs able conduct — Intrigues m the colony — Smith taken 
prisoner by the Indians — His life saved by Pocahontas — Vicissitudes of 
the setders — Riiitfiircements arrrre from. JEHgiamt — Gold dust sup- 
p eaed to 6e discovered — Dust and cedar skipped frvm yxcgiaua to Eng- 
lamd — Smith explores the waters of the Chesapeake — Indians from Can- 
mla arrive in the nei^rhbiyrhiod — yew charter of Virgznia — yew amval 
ff settlers — Lord Delaware appointed zovemor — Shipwreck of Sir 
George Sinners on the island of Bermudas. 

ExGLisH mariners had already sailed to diiferent parts 
of the \rest. — Frobisher. in pursuit of a northwest passage 
to India by* the way of Hudson's Bay. and Drake on his 
celebrated voyage to the Sauth Sea. and Sir Humphrey 
Gilbert to Newfoun<iland- — when, in 15S4- a scheme was 
projected by Sir Walter Raleigh, under the auspices of 
Queen Ehzabeth. for makin? discoveries and settlements in 
the mote southerly regions of North America, which were 
^^"'^^'^ed to contain abimdance of the precious metals. 
1. _-'a obtained a patent from the queen the same vear, 
and sent out two ships, under Captains Amidas and Bar- 
low. They sailed from Loudon on the 27th of ApriL 15iS4, 
and made land on the coast of Carolina. Standin? along 
the shore for one hundred and twenty miles northerly, 
they a*^ *-' -'h cast anchor at Wococon Island, between 
Cape i: 5 and Cape Fear. On the third day of their 

anding, they saw three Indians in a canoe, one of whom 



V0Y4.GE OF AMIDAS AND BARLOW. 1584. 



89 



approached the English without apprehension. He went 
on board "the ships, and examined everything, testifying 
great admiration, and departing with a lew presents, soon 
returned with a load of fish, which he divided into two 
heaps, making signs that each vessel should take one. 




First attempts to settle North America. 

The next day, several canoes appeared, in one of which 
came the king's brother, Granganimco. The king himself, 
whose name was Wingina, lay ill of the wounds which he 
had received in battle. Granganimeo left all his retinue 
at a distance, as a mark of confidence, and approaching 
the English, sat down on a mat, and entered into such 
conversation with them as could be carried on by signs. 
He placed his hand on his own head and breast, and then 
on theirs. His people observed a profound silence, and 
when the English otfered them presents, he took them into 
his own possession, making signs that the men were his 
servants. After this interview, the natives came in great 
numbers, bringhig skins, coral, &c. But in the presence 
of Granganimeo none were permitted to trade except those 
who wore pieces of copper on their heads. He supplied 
8* 



90 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

them every day Avith venison, fish and fruits, and invited 
them to his habitation at Roanoke. 

A good understanding having been thus estabhshed with 
the Indians, Captain Amidas, with seven others, ventured 
in a boat up the river Occam, probably the PamHco. The 
next evening they arrived at the island of Roanoke, at the 
mouth of Albemarle Sound. The village of Granganimeo, 
situated on the northern extremity of this island, consisted 
of nine houses built of cedar, and fortified with sharp pal- 
isades. Granganimco's wife received them with generous 
hospitality, the chief being absent. She ordered their boat 
to be drawn on shore ; the oars were taken to her house, 
and the English, by her orders, were conveyed to land on 
the backs of the natives. She took otf their stockings and 
washed their feet in warm water. When dinner was ready 
she led them into an inner room, where they were feasted 
with venison, fish, fruit, and a dish new to the English, 
called JLomnnij. While they were eating, a party of Indians 
came in with their bows and arrows. The English, fear- 
ing treachery, flew to tlicir arms ; but their hostess, perceiv- 
ing their suspicions, ordered the arrows to be broken and 
the intruders to be beaten out of the house. The English 
continued to experience every degree of hospitality during 
their stay in this quarter, and returned to England about 
the middle of September, with two of the natives, who 
voluntarily accompanied them. 

The accounts wliich they gave of this country were 
highly favorable, and Raleigh, who was never very scru- 
pulous in the business of romancing, doubtless took care 
to embellish every description. They had not seen any 
gold, but the soil was so fertile, and the climate so mild, 
and the inhabitants were so gentle, that everything might 
be hoped from the discovery. The nation was carried 
away with the fine stories told of the new territory. The 
queen named it Virginia, in honor of herself; and, in the 
spring of I'jS."), Sir Richard Grenville, Raleigh's principal 
associate, sailed from PlymoiUh, with a fleet of seven ships, 
well provided with victuals, arms, stores, and a consider- 
able number of volunteers, to establish a settlement. Gren- 



VOYAGE OF AMIDAS AND BARLOW. — 1584 



91 



ville, after touching at different places, arrived at Wococon 
on the 26th of June. Manteo, one of the Indians who had 
visited England, was of great service to the adventurers, 
as a pilot and interpreter. Under his guidance they vis- 
ited several of the villages on the islands and continent. 
At one of these towns, called Aquascogok, an Indian stole 
a silver cup, which, not being returned precisely at the time 
promised, the English determined on a most unjustifiable 
act of vengeance. They set fire to the town, and burnt 
the standing corn in the fields, whilst the affrighted people 
fled to the woods for protection. After this outrage, Gren- 
ville sailed to the island of Hatteras, leaving behind him 
one hundred and eight persons at Roanoke, as a colony. 
Ralph Lane was made governor, and Philip Amidas admi- 
ral of the new colony. 




JFirst settlers erecting houses. 



Lane prepared to make discoveries on the continent. 
With this view, he proceeded in a boat along the coast to 
Cape Henry, without molestation from the natives. In 
other parts, however, he was less fortunate. The inhab- 
itants destroyed their cornfields, and ran away at his 
approach. Lane, notwithstanding, prosecuted the enter- 
prise. He relied on the advice of Wingina, who artfully 
persuaded him that near the source of the river Morotuc, 



92 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

or Roanoke, he would meet with great quantities of gold, 
and tind a passage to a vast ocean, the shores of which 
abounded with pearls. Excited with these golden pros- 
pects, liune pursued his course up that river; and imagin- 
ing he should be supplied with provisions by the natives 
on its banks, neglected to take a suflicient quantity along 
with him ; in consequence of which, his men were nearly 
starved. After rowing four days against a strong current, 
he found the country wholly deserted and laid waste by 
tiie inhabitants ; but still, impelled by the thirst of gold, he 
kept on, till his crew, worn out with hunger and fatigue, 
forced him to return. 

Granganimeo, the friend of the English, in the meantime 
had died, and the hostile disposition of Wingina was soon 
apparent. He entered into private confederacies with the 
neighboring chiefs, and secretly prohibited his own sub- 
jects from supplying the settlers with provisions. He 
formed a plot to cut them olf, but this was discovered, and 
after many stratagems on both sides, Wingina was drawn 
into an ambush, with eight of his chiefs, and killed. The 
English were now involved in open war with the natives, 
and the issue would have proved fatal to them but for the 
timely arrival of a licet under Sir FVancis Drake, who had 
been ordered to assist the colony at Koanoke, on his return 
from an expedition against the Spaniards in the West 
Indies. He furnished them with provisions for four 
months, and a small vessel, well-manned and equipped, to 
make discoveries. A storm, however, arose, and the vessel 
was wrecked. The colonists Avere so disheartened by this 
mishap, which they looked upon as a declaration of Heaven 
against their enterprise, that they all returned to England 
in Drake's tleet: and thus was abandoned the first English 
settlement on tlie continent of America. These men had 
not tlie heroic perseverance of the pilgrim fathers of New 
England. 

A few days after their departure, a ship, despatched by 
Raleigh, arrived on the coast from England, but, after a 
fruitless search for the settlers, returned home. A fortnight 
after this, Sir Richard Grenville arrived with tlu'ee ships, 



VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN NEWPORT. 1W6. 93 

and finding the settlement deserted, came to the conclusion 
that the colonists had all been slain by the Indians. Un- 
willing to lose possession of the country, he left a new 
colony of fifty men on the island of Roanoke, and built 
houses for their protection. He then left them a plentiful 
supply of provisions for two years, and sailed for England. 
Early in the next year, 1587, Captain John White was 
sent with three ships laden with provisions and stores and 
a considerable number of male and female settlers. These 
had a charter of incorporation, and a body of twelve coun- 
cillors for the government of the colony. Whiite was ap- 
pointed governor. They arrived at Cape Hatteras on the 
22d of July. A party was immediately sent in quest of 
the settlers at Roanoke. The place was deserted, the 
houses were overgrown with grass and weeds, and the fort 
was destroyed. The bones of one man were found. After 
a minute search they discovered the word Croatan, carved 
in large letters on a post. This was the name of an Indian 
town in the neighborhood. Manteo and twenty men set 
out for that place. They found Indians, who informed 
them that the settlers at Roanoke had been driven from 
the town by the Indians of Secotan, and had gone they 
knew not whither. This was all that could ever be learned 
of their fate. They were doubtless all massacred by the 
natives. 

The next expedition for the southern colony was pro- 
jected by a company formed at London, under a charter 
from James I. The chief persons who imdertook the 
management of its affairs were Wingficld, a merchant, 
Hunt, a clergyman, and the famous Captain Jotm Smith. 
The squadron consisted of one vessel of one hundred tons, 
and two barks, with one hundred and five men destined 
to remain in the country. The command of this small 
fleet was given to Captain Newport, who sailed from the 
Thames the I9th of December, 160G. At the time his 
instructions were given, three packages, sealed with the 
seal of the council, were delivered, one to Captain New- 
port, one to Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, and the third 
to Captain John Ratcliffe, containing the names of the 
council for the colony. 



94 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

They were directed not to open these packages within 
twenty-four hours after tlieir arrival on the coast of Vir- 
ginia, and the names of his majesty's council were then to 
be proclaimed. The council weee then to proceed in the 
choice of a president, who should have two votes. To 
this singular and unaccountable concealment, have been 
in a great degree attributed the dissensions which distracted 
the colonists on their passage, and which afterwards con- 
siderably impeded the progress of their infant settlement. 
Newport, whose place of destination was Roanoke, took 
the circuitous route by the West India islands, and had a 
long passage of four months. The reckoning had been out 
for three days, witiiout perceiving land ; and serious pro- 
positions were made for returning to England ; when they 
were overtaken by a storm, which fortunately drove them 
to the mouth of the Chesapeake. 

On the 26th of April, 1607, they discerned Cape Henry, 
and soon after Cape Charles. Impatient to land, a party 
of about thirty men went on shore at Cape Henry, but 
they were immediately attacked by the natives, who con- 
sidered them as enemies, and, in the skirmish wliich ensued, 
several were wounded on both sides. The first employ- 
ment of the colonists Avas to explore the adjacent country, 
with the appearance of which they were greatly delighted, 
and to select a spot on which their settlement sliould be 
made. They proceeded up a large, beautiful river, called 
by the natives Powhatan, and to which they gave the 
name of .Tames. On a peninsula, on the north side of this 
river, they immediately agreed to make the first settlement 
of tlieir colony. 

This place, as well as the river, they named after their 
king, and called it .Tamestown ; there they landed on the 
13tli of May, and, the scaled packets being opened, Mr. 
Wingfield was, by the council, elected their president ; but, 
under frivolous and unjustifiable pretexts, they excluded 
Smith from taking his scat among them,— .Tohn Smith, 
whose courage and talents seemed to have excited their 
envy, and who, on the passage, had been imprisoned on 
the improbable and unsupportable charge of intending to 



SETTLEMENT OF JAMESTOWN. 1607. 



95 



murder the council, usurp the government, and make him 
self king of Virginia. 




Sttthment. of JameUonm. 

The colonists soon found themselves embroiled with the 
Indians, who attacked them suddenly, while at work, but 
were frightened by the fire from the ship, and in a short 
time a temporary accommodation with them was effected. 
Although Newport was named one of the council, he was 
ordered to return with the vessel to England, and the time 
of his departure approached. The accusers of Smith, 
affecting a degree of humanity which they did not feel, 
proposed that he should return with Newport, instead of 
being prosecuted in Virginia; but with the pride of con- 
scious innocence, he demanded his trial, and being honor- 
ably acquitted, took his seat in the council. About the 
15th of June, Newport sailed for England, leaving behind 
him one bark and about one hundred persons, the only 
English then on the continent of America. 

Thus, about one hundred and ten years after this conti- 
nent had been discovered by Cabot, and twenty-two years 



96 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

after a colony had been conducted to Roanoke by Sir 
Richard Grenville, the English possessions in America, 
desi«^ned soon to become a mighty empire, were Umited to 
a peninsula of a few thousand acres of land, held by a 
small body of men, who with difficulty maintained them- 
selves against the paltry tribes which surrounded them, 
and looked in a great measure to the other side of the 
Atlantic for the bread on which thev were to subsist. The 
stock of provisions for the colony had been very improvi- 
dently laid in ; it was entirely inadequate to thek wants ; 
and, in addition to this original error, it had sustained great 
damage in the holds of their vessels, during their long 
passage. 

On the departure of Newport, (during whose stay they 
lived with the thoughtless improvidence of sailors,) they 
Avere reduced to the necessity of subsisting on the distribu- 
tions from the public stores. These Avere at the same 
time scanty and unwholesome. They did not amount to 
more per man than a pint of worm-eaten wheat and bar- 
ley boiled in a common kettle. This wretched food in- 
creased the malignity of the diseases generated by a hot, 
and, at that time, (the country being entirely uncleared 
and undrained,) a damp climate, among men exposed, 
from their situation, to all its rigors. Before the month 
of September, fifty of the company died, and among them 
Bartholomew Gosnold. who had originated the expedition, 
and so much contributed towards its success. 

This scene of distress was heightened by internal dis- 
sensions. The president was charged with having em- 
bezzled the best stores of the colony, and of feasting at his 
private table with beef and bread, then deemed luxuries 
of the highest order, while famine and death devoured his 
fellow-adventurers. No crime, in the public opinion, could 
have been more atrocious. In addition to this, he was 
detected in an attempt to escape from them and their 
calamities, in the bark which had been left by Newport. 
The general indignation could no longer be restrained. 
He was deposed, and Ratclitle chosen to succeed him. 
Misfortune is not unfrequently the parent of moderation 



SMITH, THE LEADER OF THE COLONISTS. — 1607. 97 

and reflection, and this state of misery produced a system 
of conduct towards the neighboring Indians, which, for 
the moment, disarmed their resentment, and induced them 
to bring in such supphes as the country at that season 
aflbrded, and thereby preserved the remnant of the colony. 
It produced another effect, not less important. Their sense 
of imminent and common danger called forth and com- 
pelled submission to fhose talents which were fitted to the 
exigencies of the times, and best calculated to extricate 
them from the difficulties by which they were sur- 
rounded. 

Wingfield at length was deposed from the government. 
Captain Smith, who had been imprisoned and expelled 
from the council by the envy of those who felt and hated 
his superiority, and who, after proving his innocence, had 
with difficulty been admitted to the station assigned him, 
preserved his health unimpaired, his spirits unbroken, and 
his judgment unclouded, amidst this general misery and 
dejection. In him, by common consent, all actual au- 
thority was placed, and he, by his own example, soon 
gave energy and efficiency to others in the execution of 
his commands. 

He immediately erected, at Jamestown, such rude forti- 
fications as were necessary to resist the sudden attacks of 
the savages, and, with great labor, in which he always 
took the lead, completed the construction of such dwellings 
as could shelter the people from the weather, contributed 
to restore and preserve their health, while his accommoda- 
tion was sacrificed to that of others. In the season of 
gathering corn, which, with the Indians, is the season of 
plenty, putting himself at the head of small parties, he 
penetrated into the country, and, by presents and caresses 
to those that were well disposed, and attacking with open 
force, and defeating those who were hostile, he obtained 
for his countrymen the most abundant supplies. While 
thus actively and usefully employed abroad, he was not 
permitted to withdraw his attention from the domestic 
concerns of the colony. However unfit men may be for 
command, there are few examples of their descending 
9 



98 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

willingly from exalted stations once filled by them, and 
it is not wonderful that Ratcliffe saw with displeasure 
another placed above him. 

As unworthy minds most readily devise unworthy means, 
he sought, by intriguing with the factious, and fomenting 
their discontents, to regain his lost authority ; and when 
these attempts were disconcerted, plans were laid, first by 
Wingfield and Kendal, and afterwards by Ratclifle himself, 
in conjunction with Martin, the only remaining member 
of the coimcil, except Smith, to escape in the bark, and 
thus abandon the country. The vigilance of Smith de- 
tected all these machinations, and his vigor defeated them. 
The hope was now indulged of preserving the colony in 
quiet and plenty, until supplies could be received from 
England, with the ships which were expected in the spring. 
Tliis hope was, in a considerable degree, defeated, by an 
event which threatened, at first, the most disastrous con- 
sequences. 

In an attempt to explore the head of Chickahominy 
river. Smith was discovered, and attacked by a numerous 
body of Indians, and in endeavoring to make his escape, 
after a most gallant defence, his attention being directed 
to the enemy, whom he still fought in retreating, he sunk 
up to his neck in a swamp, and was obliged to surrender. 
Still retaining his presence of mind, he showed them a 
mariner's compass, at which, especially at the playing of 
the needle, and the impossibility of touching it, although 
they saw it so distinctly, they were greatly astonished; 
and he amused them with so many surprising stories of its 
qualities, as to inspire them with a degree of veneration, 
wliicli prevented thoir executing their first design of killing 
him on the spot. They conducted him in triumph through 
several towns to the palace of Powhatan, the most potent 
king in the country. 

There he was doomed to be put to death by laying his 
head upon a log, and beating his brains out Avith clubs. 
He was led to the place of execution, and his head bowed 
down for the purpose of death, when Pocahontas, the 
king's daughter, then about thirteen years of age, whose 



rOCAHONTAS SAVES THE LIFE OF SMITH. — 1G03. 



99 



entreaties for his life had been ineffectual, rushed between 
him and the executioner, and folding his head in her arms, 
and laying hers upon it, arrested the fatal blow. Her 
father was then prevailed on to spare his life, and after a 
great many savage ceremonies, he was sent back to James- 
town. 




Pocahontas saving Smith. 

On his arrival at Jamestown, having been absent seven 
weeks, he found the colony reduced to thirty-eight persons, 
most of whom seemed determined to abandon the coun- 
try, which appeared to them so unfavorable to human life. 
He arrived just in time to prevent the execution of this 
design. Alternately employing persuasions, threats, and 
even violence, he, at length, with much hazard to himself, 
induced the majority to relinquish the intentions they had 
formed, and then turning the guns of the fort on the bark, 
on board of which were the most determined, compelled 
her to remain, or sink in the river. 

By judicious regulation of their intercourse with the 
Indians, among whom Smith was now in high repute, he 
preserved plenty in the colony until the arrival of two ves- 
sels, wliich had been despatched from England under the 
command of Captain Newport, with a supply of provis- 
ions, instruments of husbandry, and with a reinforcement 
of one hundred and twenty persons ; consisting of many 
gentlemen, a few laborers, and several refiners, goldsmiths, 

Life. 



H)0 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

and jewellers. The joy of the colony, on receiving this 
accession of force, and supply of provisions, was extreme. 
But the influence of Smith disappeared with the danger 
wliich had produced it, and an improvident relaxation of 
discipline, productive of the most pernicious consequences, 
succeeded to it. Among the unwise practices which they 
tolerated, an indiscriminate tratfic with the natives was 
permitted, in the course of which some Indians obtained 
for their commodities much better bargains than others, 
wliich inspired those who had been most hardly dealt by, 
and who thought themselves cheated, with resentment 
against the English generally, and a consequent thirst for 
revenge. 

About this time was found, washed down by a small 
stream of water, back of Jamestown, a glittering earth, 
which, by the colonists, was mistaken for gold dust. All 
that raging thirst for gold which accompanied the first 
Europeans who visited the American continent, seemed 
reexcitod by tiiis incident. Stith, in his history, says, 
" There was nothing thought of but to dig gold, wash gold, 
refine gold, and load gold." And, notwithstanding Cap- 
tain Smith's warm and judicious representations, how 
absurd it was to neglect all other thiuffs of immediate use 
and necessity, to load such a drunken ship with gilded 
dust, yet was he overruled, and her returns were made with 
a parcel of glittering dirt, which is to be found in various 
parts of the country, and which they very sanguinely con- 
cluded to be gold dust. 

One vessel returned to England in the spring of IGOS, the 
other the 2d of June, laden, one with dust, the other with 
cedar. This is the first remittance ever made from Amer- 
ica by an English colony. The effects of this latal delu- 
sion respecting gold, were such as might have been fore- 
seen, and were soon felt. The colony began to suffer the 
same distress from scarcity of food, which had before 
brouglit it to the brink of ruin. The researches of the 
English settlers had not yet extended beyond the countries 
adjacent to James river. Smith had formed the bold 
design of exploring the great bay of Chesapeake, exam- 



SMITH EXPLORES THE CHESAPEAKE. 1603. lOi 

ining the mighty rivers which empty into it, opening an 
intercourse with the nations inhabiting them, and acquiring 
a knowledge of the state of their cultivation and popula- 
tion. 

This hardy enterprise he undertook, accompanied by 
Doctor Russell, in an open boat of about three tons bur- 
then, and with a crew of thirteen men. On the 2d of 
June, 1608, he fell down the river, in company with the 
last of Newport's two vesseLs, and parted with her at the 
Capes. Beginning his survey at Cape Charles, he exam- 
ined, with immense fatigue and danger, every river, inlet, 
and bay on both sides of the Chesapeake, as far as the 
mouth of the Rappahannoc, from whence, their provisions 
being exhausted, he returned to Jamestown. He reached 
the place on the 21st of June, and found the colony in the 
utmost confusion and disorder. Those who had arrived 
last, with Newport, were all sick, and general scarcity 
prevailed; an universal discontent with the president, 
whom they charged with riotously consuming the stores, 
and unnecessarily fatiguing the people with building a 
house of pleasure for himself in the woods, pervaded the 
colony. 

The seasonable arrival of Smith prevented their fury 
from breaking out in acts of personal violence. Their 
views were extended, and their spirits revived, by the 
accounts he gave of his discovery. They contented 
themselves with deposing their president, and Smith was 
urged, but refused, to succeed him. 

Having made, in three days, arrangements for obtaining 
regular supplies, and for the government of the colony, his 
firm friend, Mr. Scrivner, was appointed vice president, 
and on the 14th of July, 160S, he again set out, with twelve 
men, to complete his discoveries. From this voyage, he 
returned on the 7th of September. He had adventured as 
far as the river Susquehanna, and visited all the countries 
on both sides of the river; he entered most of the large 
creeks, and sailed up many of the great rivers to their 
falls. When we consider that he sailed above three hun- 
dred miles in an open boat ; Avhen we contemplate the dan- 
9* 



102 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

gcrs and the hardships he encountered, and the fortitude, 
courage, and patience, with which he met them; when 
we reflect on the useful and important additions which ho 
made to the stock of knowledge, respecting America, then 
possessed by his countrymen, we shall not hesitate to say 
that few voyages of discovery, undertaken at any time, 
reflect more honor on those engaged in them, than this 
does on Captain Smith. It may not be entirely unworthy 
of remark, that about the bottom of the bay. Smith met 
with a party of Indians from the St. Lawrence, coming to 
war with those of that neighborhood ; and that he found, 
among Indians on the Susquehanna, hatchets obtained 
originally from the French in Canada. 

On the 10th of September, immediately after his return 
from his expedition. Smith was chosen president by the 
council, and accepted the office. Soon after, Newport ar- 
rived with an additional supply of inhabitants ; among 
whom were tlie two first females who had ventured into 
the country ; but he came without provisions. The dis- 
tinguished, judicious, and vigorous administration of the 
president, however, supplied their wants, and restrained 
the turbulent. Encouraged by his example, and coerced 
by his authority, a spirit of industry and subordination 
appeared to be created in the colony, which was the parent 
of plenty and peace. In the mean time, the company in 
England became excessively dissatisfied with their prop- 
erty in America. They had calculated on discovering a 
passage to the South Sea, and mines of the precious metals, 
which might aflbrd to individuals the same sudden accu- 
mulation of wealth which had been acquired by the Span- 
iards in the south. In all their hopes they had been griev- 
ously disappointed, and had as yet received scarcely any 
advantage for the heavy expenses they had incurred ; yet 
hope did not altogether forsake them, and they still in- 
dulged in golden dreams of future wealth. 

On the 23d of May, 1609, a new charter was granted 
them. Some of the first nobility and gentry of the country, 
and most of the companies of London, with a numerous 
body of merchants and tradesmen, were now added to the 



LORD DELAWARE GOVERNOR. 1609. 103 

former adventurers, and they were all incorporated, by the 
name of the Treasurer and Company of Adventurers of 
the city of London, for the first colony in Virginia. To 
them was granted, as their property, the lands extending 
from Cape or Point Comfort, along the seacoast, two hun- 
dred miles northward, and from the same point, along the 
seacoast, two hundred miles southward. The corporation 
was authorized to convey, under its common seal, particular 
portions of these lands to subjects or denizens, on such 
conditions as might promote the intentions of the grant. 
The powers of the president and council in Virginia were 
abrogated, and a new council in England was established 
and ordained in the charter, with power to the company 
to fill all vacancies therein by election. This council was 
empowered to appoint and renew all officers for the 
colony, and to make all ordinances for its government, 
provided they be not contrary to the laws of England. 
License was given to transport all persons that were will- 
ing to emigrate, and to export merchandise, free from cus- 
tom, to Virginia, for seven years. There was also granted, 
for twenty-one years, freedom from all subsidies in Virginia, 
and from all impositions on importations and exportations 
from or to any of the king's dominions, except only the 
five pounds in the hundred, due for custom. The company, 
being now enlarged, was enabled to take more efficient 
measures than heretofore for the settlement of the country. 
In 1609, they fitted out nine ships, with five hundred emi- 
grants, and such supplies as were deemed necessary for 
them. Lord Delaware was constituted governor and cap- 
tain-general for life ; and several other high-sounding and 
useless offices were created. The direction of the expe- 
dition was again given to Captain Newport, George Som- 
ers, and Thomas Gates. Power was severally granted to 
govern the colony until the arrival of Lord Delaware. 
With singular indiscretion, the council omitted to establish 
precedence among these gentlemen, and being totally 
unable to settle this point between themselves, they agreed 
to embark on board of the same vessel, and to be compan- 
ions during the voyage. They were parted from the rest 



104 



SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 



of the fleet in a storm, and driven on Bermudas, having on 
board one hundred and fifty men, a considerable portion 
of the provisions, and the new commission and instructions 
of the council. The residue of the squadron arrived safe 
in Virginia. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

Settlement or Virginia. — Government of Smith — Hostilities of the 
Indians — Smith departs for England — The ^^ Starving Time'''' — De- 
spair of the colonists — Arrival of supplies from England — New char- 
ter of Virginia — Capture of Pocahontas — Pacification with the savages 

— Use of tobacco in England — Administration of Argal — Yeardley^s 
administration — A colonial assembly convoked — Emigration of females 
to Virginia — Transportation of convicts — Introduction of negro slavery 

— Virginia obtains a constitution — Conspiracy of Opechancanough — 
Massacre of the settlers — The British government become jealous of 
the Virginians — Grievances of the colonists — Indian wars — Bacon's 
rebellion — Conduct of Governor Berkeley — Temporary pacification — 
Vacillation of the governor — Renewal of the troubles — Convention oj 
Middle Plantations — Further hostilities — Jamestown burnt — Sudden 
death of Bacon , and end of the rebellion — The royal authority restored — 
Disastrous consequences of these events to the Virginians. 

The great part of the new company consisted of unruly 
sparks, packed off by their friends to escape worse destinies 
at home, and the rest chiefly made up of poor gentlemen, 
broken tradesmen, rakes and libertines, footmen, and such 
others as were more ruinous to the commonwealth, than 
to help to raise or maintain it. They assumed to themselves 
the power of disposing of the government, and conferred 
it sometimes on one, and sometimes on another. To-day 
the old commission must rule, to-morrow the new, and 
next day neither. So all was anarchy and distraction. 

The judgment of Smith was suspended but for a short 
time. He soon determined that his own authority was not 
legally revoked until the arrival of the new commission, 
and, therefore, resolved to continue its exercise. He boldly 
imprisoned the chief promoter of the sedition, and thereby 
restored, for a time, regularity and obedience. Having 
effected this, he detached one hundred persons to the falls 



JOG SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

of James river, under the command of Captain West, and 
the same number to INansemond, under the command of 
Captain Martin. These settlements were conducted with 
so little judgment, that they soon converted all the neigh- 
boriii'T Indians into enemies, had several parties cut off, 
and found themselves in need of the support and direction 
of Smith. These were always afforded, until a melan- 
choly accident deprived the colony of the aid of a man, 
whose talents had more than once rescued it from that des- 
perate condition into which folly and vice had plunged it. 

Returning from the company at tlie falls of James river, 
his powder bag, while he was asleep in the boat, took fire ; 
and he was burned so as to be coniincd to his bed. Being 
thus wounded, and luiablc to obtain the aid of a surgeon 
in the colony, he determined to return to England, for 
which place he embarked about the beginning of October, 
1609. At his departure the colony consisted of about five 
hundred inhabitants ; they were furnished with three ships, 
seven boats, ten weeks' provisions in the })ublic store,'six 
mares and a horse ; a large stock of hogs and ]ioultry, with 
some sheep and goats ; utensils for agriculture, nets for 
fishing, one hundred trained and expert soldiers, well 
acquainted with the Indians, their language and habita- 
tions; twenty-four pieces of ordnance, and three hundred 
muskets, with a sufficient quantity of other arms and 
ammunition. 

The present fair prospect was soon blasted. The Indians 
imdcrstood that the man whose conduct and vigor tliey 
had so often experienced, and so much dreaded, no longer 
remained in the country; they fell upon them. West and 
Martin, having lost their boats, and nearly half their men, 
were driven back to Jamestown ; the stock of provisions 
was lavishly wasted, and a famine, the most dreadful Avith 
which they had ever been afflicted, raged among them. 
After devouring the skins of their horses, and the Indians 
they had killed, the survivors fed on those of their com- 
panions who had sunk under such accumulated calamities. 
This period Avas long remembered by the name of the 
Starvmsr Time. 



THE STARVING TIME. 1C09. 107 

In six months the colony was reduced to sixty persons, 
who were so feeble and dejected that they could not sur- 
vive ten days longer. In this calamitous state, they were 
relieved by Thomas Gates, George Somers, and Captain 
Newport, who arrived from Bermuda 24th of May, 1610. 
They immediately determined to abandon the country; 
and for this purpose the wretched remnant of the colony 
embarked on board the vessel just arrived from Bermuda, 
and set sail for England. None dropped a tear, because 
none had enjoyed one day of happiness. But they met 
Lord Delaware in the river, with three ships, and a recruit 
of new settlers and persons from LiUgland, who prevailed 
on them to return, and, on the lOth of June, resettled them 
at Jamestown. 

On the lUth of May, 1611, Sir Thomas Dale, who had 
been appointed to the government, arrived with fresh sup- 
plies of men and provisions, and found the colony relaps- 
ing into its former state of idleness and penury. It required 
all the authority of the new governor to maintain public 
order, and to compel the idle and dissolute to labor. Some 
conspiracies having been detected, he proclaimed martial 
law, and instantly executed it, by punishing the most 
guilty. These severities, which, in the ordinary state of 
society, would not, and ought not to have been submitted 
to, were then deemed necessary, and are spoken of as hav- 
ing probably saved the settlement. 

In the beginning of August, Sir Thomas Gates, who had 
been appointed to succeecJ Thomas Dale, arrived with six 
ships, and a considerable supply of men and provisions. 
The colony being now greatly strengthened, began to 
extend itself up the James river, and several new settle- 
ments were made. In March, 1612, a new charter was 
issued, granting to the treasurer and company all the 
islands situate in the ocean, within three hundred leagues 
of the coast of Virginia. It was ordained that four general 
courts of adventurers should be holden annually, for the 
determination of affairs of importance, and weekly meet- 
ings were appointed for the transaction of common busi- 
ness. To promote the settlement, which had already cost 



108 SETTI-EMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

such considerable sums, license was given to open lotteries 
in any part of England. These lotteries, which were the 
first ever drawn in Hngland, brought twenty-nine thou- 
sand pounds into ihc treasury of the company. Captain 
Argal arrivoil from I'ngland with two vessels, and was 
sent round to the Potomac, for a cargo of corn. Here he 
understood that Pocahontas, who had saved the life of 
Sinitl), and ever had been steadfast in her attachments to 
the English, having absented herself from her father's 
liouse, now lay concealed. 

Hy bribing somi^ of those in whom she had confided, 
Captain Argal j)revail»>d on her to come on board his ves- 
sel, where she was detained respectfully, and brought to 
Jamestown. His motive was, the hope that the possession 
of Pocahontas would give the English an ascendancy over 
her father, Powhatan. In this, however, he was disap- 
pointed. Powhatan ollVred corn and friendship, if they 
would lirst restore his daughter, but woiild come to no 
terms until reparation was made for what he resented as 
an act of unhandsome treachery. During her detention at 
Jamestown, she made an impression on the heart of Mr. 
Rolte, a young gentleman of estimation in the colony, who 
also succ(>(>ded in gaining her alltHMious. They were mar- 
ried, in l()i:{, with the cou.scnt of Powhatan, who ever alter 
continued to be a sincere friend to the Ihia-lish. This led to 
a treaty with the Chiekahominies, a brave and powerful 
tribe, who submitted to the Euglisli, and became their 
tributaries. In UU:?, Sir Thomas Dale divided a eon- 
siilerable portion of the lands into lots of three acres each, 
and granted one of these to each individual in full pro- 
priety. 

Although they were still required to devote, a great por- 
tion of tbtMr labor to the public, yet a sudden change was 
made in the appearauro and habits of the colony. Industry 
advanced with rapid striilos, and the colonists were no 
more fearful of wanting bread, either for themselves or the 
emigrants who came annually from England. Early in 
the year 1614, Sir Thomas Gates returned to England, 
leaving the govcnunont again with Sir Thomas Dale. In 



CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 1C!5. 



109 



1615, fifty acres of land were allotted to each individual, 
which was actually laid off and delivered to the persons 
having titles to them, who were permitted to exercise over 
them, in such a manner as was agreeable to themselves, 
all the rights of ownership. About the same time,, tobacco 
was first cultivated in Virginia. 




Tobaccu and cuiioii. 



Tobacco was detested by king James, who used all' his 
influence to prevent its use. He even wrote a pamphlet 
against it, which he styled the "counter blast." It was 
discountenanced by the leading members of parliament, 
and also by the Virginia company, who issued edicts 
against its cultivation. And, although on a first experi- 
ment it was unpleasant in its taste and di&agrceable in its 
eifects, it surmounted all difficulties, and has, by an unac- 
countable caprice, been brought into general nse, and be- 
come one of the most considerable staples of Am'^rica. 

In the spring of 1616, Sir Thomas Dale sailed for Eng- 
10 



11Q SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

land having placed the government in the hands of George 
Yeardly, his deputy, who, after a very lax administration 
of one year, was succeeded, in May, 1617, by Captain 
Argal, who had been appointed deputy governor by the 
company. He was a man of great talents and energy of 
mind, but selfish, haughty, and tyrannical. He provided 
with ability for the wants of the colony. Martial law was 
continued during a season of peace ; and Mr. Brewster, 
who was tried, under this arbitrary system, for contemptu- 
ous words spoken against the governor, was sentenced to 
suffer death. A respite of execution was with difficulty 
obtained, and on an appeal to the council in England, the 
sentence was reversed. While martial law Avas, according 
to Stith, the common law of the land, the deputy governor 
seems to have been the sole legislator. His edicts mark 
the severity of his rule, but some of them evince an atten- 
tion to the public safety. 

He ordered that merchandise should be sold at the 
advance price of twenty-five per cent., and tobacco taken 
in payment at the rate of three shillings a pound, under 
the penalty of three years' servitude to the company ; that 
no person should traffic with the Indians, or teach them 
the use of fire-arms, under pain of death ; that no per- 
son should hunt deer or hogs without leave from the 
governor; that no person should shoot, unless in his own 
defence, until a new supply of ammunition arrived, on 
pain of a year's personal service ; that no one should go on 
board the ships Avithout the governor's leave ; that every 
person should go to church on Sundays, under tlie penalty 
of slavery during that present week, for the first oficnce'; 
a month for the second, and a year for the third. 

The rigor of this administration necessarily excited much 
discontent, and the complaints of the Virginians at length 
made their way to the company. Lord Delaware being 
now dead, Mr. Yeardly was appointed captain-general, 
with instructions to examine with attention the wants of 
the people, and to redress them. 

The new governor arrived in April, 1619, and soon after, 
to the inexpressible joy of the inhabitants, declared his 



trlLLIAM AND MAEY COLLEGE ESTABLISHED. 1620. HI 

intentions to convoke a colonial assembly. This is an 
important era in the history of Virginia. Heretofore, all 
legislative authority had been exercised, either by the cor- 
poration in England, or by their officers in this country. 
The people, either personally or by their representatives, 
had no voice in the government of themselves ; and their 
most important concerns were decided by persons unac- 
quainted with their situation, and always possessing 
interests different from theirs. This first assembly met at 
Jamestown on the 19th of June, 1619. The colony was 
not then divided into counties, and the members were 
elected by the different boroughs, amounting to seven in 
number. The assembly, composed of the governor, the 
council and burgesses, met together in one apartment, and 
there debated all matters thought conducive to the general 
welfare. The laws then enacted, which, it is believed, are 
no longer extant, were transmitted to England for the 
approbation of the treasurer and company, and were said 
to have been judiciously formed. 

The emigrations from England continued to be very 
considerable, and were made at great expense to the com- 
pany ; but as yet few females had ever crossed the Atlantic. 
Men without wivas could not contemplate Virginia as a 
place of permanent residence, and proposed, after amassing 
some wealth, to return to their native land. To put an 
end to a mode of thinking in its effects so ruinous to the 
colony, it was proposed to send out one hundred maids as 
wives for the colony. Ninety young girls were transported 
in the beginning of the year 1620, and sixty more in the 
subsequent year. They were immediately disposed of to 
the young planters. The price of a wife was estimated, 
first at one hundred, and afterwards at one hundred and 
fifty pounds of tobacco, then selling at three shillings per 
pound ; and a debt so contracted was made of greater 
dignity than any other. The education of the children 
was likewise attended to, and several steps were taken to- 
wards founding a college, afterwards completely established 
by William and Mary. About the same time, the company 
received orders from the king to transport to Virginia one 



]12 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

huudiiHl idle and dissolute persons, then in the custody of 
the knight marshal. These men, dispersed through the 
colony, became a useful and acceptable addition of hiborers, 
and were the th'st convicts transported to America. Negro 
slavery was introduced into Virginia the following year. 
In August, 1021), a Dutch inan-of-Avar entered James 
river, and lautled twenty negroes for sale. This is the 
first instance of the existence of slavery in the United 
States. Thirty years afterwards, the increase had been so 
inconsiderable that the blacks were not one in fifty to the 
Avhifcs, IJut subsequently the proportion of the slaves 
rapidly increased. 

A constitution was at length framed for Virginia by the 
company, in 1021. This provided, that henceforth there 
should be two supreme councils in Virginia ; the one to be 
called the Council of State, to be appointed and flisplaced 
by the treasurer and company, and to assist the governor 
with advice on executive subjects; the other to be denom- 
inated the Cienoral Assembly, and to consist of the governor, 
the council, and two burgesses, to be chosen for the present 
by the inhabitants of every town. The assembly was 
empowered to consult and determine on matters respecting 
the public weal. It was declared, that no acts passed by 
the assembly should be in force imtil conlinned by the 
general court in England, and the ratification returned 
under its seal ; and that, on the other hand, no order of the 
general court should bind the colony until assented to by 
the assembly. 

In 11V22, the controversy, which had for some time 
existed between the crown and the company, concerning 
the importation of tobacco, was at length adjusted by 
amicable agreement. The king had demanded high duties 
on that article, Avhile he admitted its importation from the 
dominions of Sjvxiu, and had also restrained the company 
from trans|>ortiiig it directly from Virginia to their ware- 
liouses in Holland, to whicii expedient his exactions had 
driven them. It was now agreed, that they should enjoy 
the sole right of importing that commodity' into the kiiig- 
dom, for which they should pay a duty of nine pence per 



OPECHANCANOUOh's plot. 1622. 113 

pound, in lieu of all charges, and that the whole produc- 
tions of the colony should be brought to England. The 
industry of the colony had now greatly increased. At 
peace with the Indians, their settlements had extended not 
only along the banks of Jarnes and York rivers, but to the 
Rappahannoc, and even to the Potomac. 

With this extension of the settlements, it became extreme- 
ly inconvenient to bring all causes, for tri.al, to Jamestown, 
before the governor and council. Thus originated the 
present county courts of Virginia. 

In the year 1622, t?ie cup of prosperity, of which the 
colony now began to taste, was dashed from their lips, by 
an event which shook to its foundation, and nearly de- 
stroyed, the colony. Two years previous, Powhatan, the 
most powerful of the Indian kings in Virginia, who. after 
the marriage of his daughter to Mr. Rolfe. had remained 
faithful to the English, departed this life, and was suc- 
ceeded by <^)pechancanough. a bold and cvmning chief, 
remarkable for his jealousy and hatred of the new settlers. 
He formed a plot for the massacre and extermination of 
the English, which was kept secret till it was ripe for exe- 
cution. While preparations for the massacre v/ere going 
on, every appearance of amity and good feeling was kept 
up. and the general peace remained undisturbed. The 
Indians were freely furnished with fire-arms by tlie Eng- 
lish, and taught the u.se of them. They were at all times 
admitted freely into the habitations of the settlers, were 
fed at their tables, and lodged in their chambers. Tlie 
attack was prepared with the most wonderful .secrecy. To 
the very last hour the Indians preserved the language of 
friendship. They borrowed the boats of the English to 
attend their own assemblies ; and, on the morning of the 
massacre, were in the houses and at the tables of tho.se 
whose death they were plotting. '-Sooner." said they, 
"shall the sky fall, than peace be violated by us." At 
length, on the 22d of March, 1622, at mid-day, at one and 
the same instant, the Indians fell upon an unsuspecting 
population, which was scattered throtigh di.stant villages, 
extending one hundred and forty mile-s, on. both sides of 
V)* 



114 



SETTLEMENT OF VJROINIA. 



James river. The onset was so sudden, that not an indi- 
vidual was prepared to resist it. None were spared ; chil- 
dren and women were murdered with indiscriminating 
barharity, and every aggravation of cruelty. In one hour 
three hundred and forty-seven persons were massacred. 




Massacre in Virsinia. 



Yet the carnage was not universal, and Virginia was saved 
from so bloody a fate. The night before the execution of 
the plot, it was revealed, by a converted Indian, to an 
Englishman, whom he wished to save. .Tamestown and 
the nearest settlements were saved, and the savages, find- 
ing the English, in this quarter, prepared to resist them, 
fled precipitately. The consequences of this dreadful 
slaughter were very disastrous. Public works were aban- 
doned, and the settlements were reduced, from eighty plan- 
tations, to eight. Sickness prevailed among the dispirited 
colonists, now crowded into narrow quarters, and some of 
them returned to England. Yet this was but a temporary 
depression in the atfairs of Virginia. After many years of 
warfare with the savages, they were completely quelled. 
Opechancanough was taken prisoner by the governor. Sir 
William Berkeley, in 1G44, and died in the hands of the 
English. Being thus delivered from the embarrassments 



LNUIAN WARS. 1676. 115 

of Indian hostilities, the colony grew rapidly into a pros- 
perous condition. 

With the growth of the colony, a jealousy of the plan- 
ters of Virginia began to manifest itself in the English 
parliament. The colonial assembly had diminished the 
franchises, and impaired the powers of the people. Charles 
II. was equally careless of the rights and property of the 
Americans. Oppressive grants of property were issued, 
and the assembly of Virginia, composed in part of opulent 
landholders, were excited to alarm by dangers which were 
menaced by the inconsiderate acts of a profligate prince. 
Agents were despatched to England to regulate the alfairs 
of the colony ; these agents spent a year in England, with- 
out making any progress in their work, when the news 
from Virginia gave an entire new aspect to things. 

The excitement in Virginia, occasioned by domestic 
troubles, grew every day more and more violent. The 
encroachments made upon the popular liberties, and the 
uncertain tenure of property that followed the announce- 
ment of the royal grants, filled all the inhabitants with 
apprehension. Grievances of almost every description 
excited open discontents. Men gathered together in the 
groves of the forest to talk of their hardships. The com- 
mon people, half conscious of their wrongs, half conscious 
of the riglilful remedy, were ripe for insurrection. To 
effect it, nothing was wanting but an excuse for appearing 
in arms. An Indian war soon offered them this pretext. 
In 1674, the Senecas, a tribe of the Five Nations, had 
driven the Susqueh annas from their abode, at the head of 
the Chesapeake, to the vicinity of the Potomac, and Mary- 
land had become involved in a war with the 8usquehan- 
nas and tlieir confederates. The next year, murders Avere 
committed on the soil of Virginia, and were avenged by 
the militia on the borders. As the war continued, in 1G76, 
the Indians subject to Virginia began to assert indepen- 
dence. The frontier was exposed to all the horrors of war, 
and the plantations were laid waste, and the inhabitants 
massacred with every excess of savage cruelty. The 
government of the colony was inadequate to the defence 



llti SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

of the inhabitants, and the people demanded a leader, who 
possessed tlie talent and the enterprise to aid them m 
protecting themselves in this critical emergency. 

Their choice fell on Nathaniel Bacon, a colonel of mili- 
tia. He was a native of England, born during the con- 
tests between the parliament and the king, well educated 
in a period when every active mind had been awakened 
to a consciousness of popular rights and popular power. 
He had not yielded the love of freedom to the enthusiasm 
of royalty. Possessing a pleasant address and a powerful 
elocution, he had rapidly risen to distinction in Virginia. 
Quick of apprehension, warm, choleric, yet discreet in 
action, the young and wealthy planter carried to the banks 
of James river the liberal ideas which the instinct of 
human freedom had already whispered to every emigrant, 
and which naturally sprang up amid the qualities of the 
wilderness. Bacon was resolved on action. The popula- 
tion took up arms against the Indians. They demanded 
of Sir William Berkeley, the governor, the permission to 
protect themselves, with Bacon at their head. Berkeley 
refused : he dreaded the popularity of Bacon. But the 
imbecile government soon ceased to be respected ; men 
flocked together tumultuously, and five hundred men were 
shortly in arms. The common voice proclaimed Bacon 
the leader of the enterprise, and his commanding abilities 
gave ascendency to the principles wliich he avowed and 
the party which he espoused. Without waiting for orders, 
or the sanction of the government, they took up their march 
against the savage foe. 

Berkeley, enraged at seeing his authority slighted, and, 
moreover, instigated by an aristocratic faction, instantly 
proclaimed Bacon and his followers, rebels, and proceeded 
to levy troops to pursue them. The wealthy planters, fear- 
ing for their estates, abandoned the popular cause. Bacon, 
with a small, but ftiithful band, continued his expedition, 
while a new insurrection compelled Berkeley to return to 
Jamestown. The lower counties had risen in arms, and, 
directing their hatred against the old assembly, to which 
they imputed their griefs, demanded its immediate disso- 



bacon's rebellion. 1676. 



117 



lution. The whole mass of the people were now against 
the governor, and he found himself compelled to yield. 
The assembly, which had become odious by its long dur- 
ation, the selfishness of its members, and its efforts to 
diminish popular freedom, was dissolved. Writs for a new 
election were issued, and Bacon, returning in triumph from 
his Indian campaign, was unanimously elected a burgess 
from Henrico county. A majority of the members of this 
assembly were strongly inclined toward the principles of 
Bacon, and a compromise with the men of his party was 
effected. Bacon acknowledged his error in acting without 
a commission, and the assemblies of disaffected persons 
were censured as acts of mutiny and rebellion. On the 
other hand, Bacon was appointed commander-in-chief, to 
the universal satisfaction of the people. The elective fran- 
chise was restored, and various other measures taken to 
allay the popular discontents. 




£aco?i's rebellion. 



Berkeley, however, viewed all these proceedings with a 
jealous eye. He refused to sign Bacon's commission, and 
Bacon, fearing an arrest or some other act of treachery, 
secretly withdrew, to lay his wrongs before the people. In 
a few days he reappeared in Jamestown, at the head of 
five hundred armed men. Berkeley's indignation and rage 



118 SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

were roused to the utmost by this audacious proceeding. 
He advanced to meet the troops, and baring his breast, 
called upon them to shoot. "1 will not," replied Bacon. 
" hurt a hair of your head, or of any man's. We are come 
for the commission, to save our lives from the Indians." 
AVhcn passion subsided, Berkeley thouglit it best to yield. 
The commission was issued, and all the popidar enact- 
ments of the legislature were ratified. It is remarkable 
that this proceeding took place on the 4th of July, 1676, 
just one hundred years before the declaration of American 
Independence. 

Everything now appeared to be settled, and great joy 
prevailed throughout the colony. But this was of short 
duration. Just as the army was about to march against 
the Indians, the governor violated the amnesty. Repair- 
ing to Gloucester county, the most populous and most loyal 
in Virginia, he summoned a convention of the inhabitants. 
The convention took sides with Bacon, as the defender of 
the country ; and Berkeley, petulant and irascible, once 
more proclaimed him a traitor. Bacon, finding matters 
proceeding rapidly to an extremity, invited the whole pop- 
ulation to meet in convention and rescue the colony from 
the tyranny of Berkeley. The call was answered ; none 
were willing to sit idle in the time of general calamity. 
On the 3d of August, 1676, the most eminent men in the 
colony came together at Middle Plantations, now Wil- 
liamsburg, to deliberate on the measures to be pursued. 
An oath was taken by the whole convention, to adhere to 
Bacon, in the war against the Indians, and, if possible, to 
prevent all civil commotions. Should the governor perse- 
vere in his obstinate self-will, they promised to protect 
Bacon against any armed force ; and they further resolved 
that if troops should arrive from England, they would 
resist till an appeal could reach the king in person. For- 
tified by tliese votes, Bacon marched against the Indians, 
while Berkeley withdrew across the Chesapeake, and en- 
deavored, by promises of booty, to collect an army on the 
eastern shore and among the seamen on board the ships. 

Affairs now rapidly drew to a crisis. The condition of 



bacon's rebellion. 1676. 119 

Bacon and his party was eminently critical. Some ad- 
vised that Berkeley should be deposed ; and after much dis- 
cussion, it was agreed that his retreat should be considered 
an abdication of the government ; and Bacon issued writs 
for a representative convention of the people, by which the 
affairs of the colony should be managed. In the mean- 
while, Berkeley was enabled to collect, in Accomac, a 
large body of followers, and, with a fleet of five ships, he 
landed and took possession of Jamestown, on the 8th of 
September. Bacon and his party were again proclaimed 
traitors and rebels. On receiving this intelligence. Bacon 
marched upon Jamestown. The governor's forces were 
struck with panic, and abandoned the place before the 
enemy appeared, and the insurgents entered Jamestown 
the next day. 

But Jamestown could not be defended against the roy- 
alists, who were said to be advancing from the northern 
counties, and they determined to set the town on fire, that 
it might not serve as a strong-hold for their enemies. It 
was the only town in Virginia, and a resolution was taken, 
if troops arrived from England, to retreat into the wilder- 
ness. Jamestown was accordingly set on fire, and burnt 
to the ground. Bacon marched to meet the royalists from 
the Rappahannoc. No battle took place ; the royal troops, 
in a body, joined the patriot party, and their leader was 
left at the mercy of the insurgents. Nothing now remained 
but to cross the bay and revolutionize the eastern shore. 

But an unexpected occurrence gave an instant turn to 
the course of aflairs, and arrested at once the progress of 
revolution in Virginia. Bacon fell sick, and, after a short 
illness, died on the first day of October. His party was 
left without a head ; for no man in the ranks of the insur- 
gents was capable of taking his place. From this moment 
nothing but disaster befel them. The royalist party took 
courage, and the supremacy of the governor was quickly 
restored. By the end of 1676, Bacon's rebellion, as this 
transaction is called, was at an end. Twenty-two of the 
insurgents were hanged, and the spirit of opposition to the 
royal government was totally suppressed. The result of 



120 



SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 



this attempt at revolution was highly disastrous to Vir- 
ginia. It furnished an excuse for refusing a liberal char- 
ter. Assemblies were required to be called but once in 
two years, and to sit but fourteen days, unless for special 
measures. All the acts of Bacon's assembly were repealed, 
and all the ancient grievances were renewed. 




CHAPTER IX. 

Settlement of New England. — Rise of the Puritans tn England — 
Their emigration to Holland — They resolve to emigrate to America — 
Sail from England— Their arrival at Cape Cod — Formation of a 
political compact — .Landing at Plymouth — Hardships endured by them— 
Death of Governor Carver — Government of Mr. Bradford — Treaty 
with the Indian sachem Massasoit — Scarcity of food in the colony — 
Severe drought, and providential relief — Origin of the Neto England 
thanksgivings — Foundation of the Massachusetts colony— Settlement of 
Salem — Arrival of Governor Winthrop — Boston founded — Sufferings 
of the colonists — Severe frosts — Foundation of the New England 
churches — Attempts of the king to check emigration to New England. 

The chronological series of events now leads us to the 
settlement of New England ; an occurrence later in date 
than the colonization of Virginia, but one of vastly more 
interest and importance in the history of America, and 
that of the civilized world. Civil and religious liberty in 
the western hemisphere sprang up from the seed implanted 
by the pilgrim fathers, who, on landing at Plymouth rock, 
framed and carried into effect the first scheme of republi- 
can government, which has ever afterwards served as the 
model of the free states of America. 

The settlement of New England was the result of the 
Protestant reformation. The Puritans of England carried 
out the principles of Luther, in their dissent from the Epis- 
copal hierarchy. Liberty of conscience was the principle 
for which they contended. Persecution increased their 
numbers, and confirmed them in their opposition to the 
overbearing authority of the church of England. Unable 
to find repose in Great Britain, thej'" fled to Holland, and 
at length determined to seek a refuge in the wilds of Amer- 
ica. A connection was formed with the Plymouth com- 
pany in England, who had obtained a patent from king 
11 



122 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

James for settling in America, and arrangements were 
made for forming a colony on Hudson's river. The whole 
band of Puritans in Holland designed to proceed at once 
upon this enterprise ; but their scanty means could furnish 
only two vessels, the Mayflower, of one hundred and eighty 
tons, and the Speedwell, of sixty. A portion of them, in 
consequence, with Mr. Robinson, their pastor, were forced 
to remain behind, and the others embarked at Lcydcn, and 
proceeded to Southampton, in England, from which port, 
on the oth day of August, 1G20, they took their departure 
for the western world. On account of bad weather, and 
the leakiness of one of their vessels, they were obliged 
twice to put back. The Speedwell they were compelled 
to leave, while as many as could be accommodated, one 
hundred and one persons of the adventurers, entered on 
board the other ship, and took their last leave of the land 
of their fathers on the 6di of September. Called to go out 
into a place which they should after receive for an inher- 
itance, they obeyed; and they went out, not knowing 
whither they went. After a tedious voyage, safely housed 
in the ark which God in his providence had directed them 
to prepare, protected by Him who directs the storm, on 
the 10th of November, 1620, they arrived at Cape Cod. 
The Dutch, intending to keep Hudson's river, had bribed 
the shipmaster to carry these adventurers so far north- 
ward, that they should not find their intended place of 
residence. They had found laud, and it was too late in 
the season to put to sea again ; they were in a good har- 
bor, but on a most barren and inhospitable shore. 

On their arrival, they stepped upon the strand, and with 
bended knees, gave thanks to God, who had preserved 
their number entire, and brought them in safety to these 
unhallowed shores. Bcins; without the limits of their 
patent, as to civil government they were in a state of 
nature. They therefore drew up and signed a civil com- 
pact, by which they severally bound themselves to be obe- 
dient to all ordinances made by the body, and acknowledg- 
ing the king of Great Britain to be their lawful sovereign. 
They say, in the preamble, " Havmg undertaken, for the 



LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. — 1620. 



123 



glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and 
honor of our king and country, a voyage, to plant the 
first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do, by these 
presents," &c. This instrument was executed on board 
their ship, on the llth of November. Mr. John Carver, a 
man of distinguished abilities and eminent piety, was 
chosen their governor. 




Landing of the pi/grims. 

The prospects now before them, were such as to appal 
any other than our pilgrim fathers ; in a howling wilder- 
ness, inhabited by pagan savages and wild beasts, a dreary 
winter approaching, no shelter from the tempest, and, as 
yet, no place of abode. They had one resting place, and 
that was all. Their trust was in Him, who hath said to 
his chosen, The eternal God is thy refuse, and underneath 
are the everlasting arms ; and he sliall thrvst ont the enemy 
from before thee^ and shall say. destroy them. After sev- 
eral unsuccessful attempts to find a convenient place for 
their residence, a party sent out for discovery, entered the 
harbor of Plymouth. In a severe storm, on a December 



124 6ETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

night, having, with their httle bark, narrowly escaped a 
shipwreck, tliey were cast upon an island in the harbor. 
This was on Friday night. The next day, they dried 
their clothes, concluding to remain on this little island till 
after the Sabbath. This little band, about twenty in 
number, observed the next day as a Sabbath, which was 
the first Sabbath ever observed in a religious manner on 
the New England shore. Having examined the harbor, 
they returned to the ship, which weighed anchor, and 
brought their consecrated cargo in safety. Here these 
pious pilgrims lauded on the twenty-second of December, 
1G20. They called the place Plymouth, the name of the 
town from which they last sailed in England. They now 
had a country and a home, but they had a better country 
on high. 



V ISittltment of riymouth. 

They had now to contend with the inclement seasons, 
with inmnnerable privations, in constant fear of a savage 
foe. But God had prepared their way before them. A 
desolating plague, which prevailed among the natives about 
three years before, had nearly depopulated those parts of 
the country. Ou this account, they received very little 
molestation from the savages for many years. Had they 
oecn carried to Hudson's river, according to their inten- 



FOUNDATION OF PLYMOUTH. — 1020. 126 

tion, where the savages were numerous, there is much 
reason to beheve the httle colony would have been cut off. 
Infinite wisdom directed their course to their prepared 
habitation. 

The severities of the season, their unwholesome food, 
and their incessant labors, brought upon this little flock a 
general and very mortal sickness, so that forty-six of their 
number died before the opening of the ensuing spring. Of 
those who survived, the most had been severely sick. 
Who can contemplate this little band, in an uncultivated 
wilderness ; with no promise of support from their mother 
country ; exposed to the inclement skies of a dreary winter; 
with scanty supplies of food ; utterly unskilled and desti- 
tute of the means for the cultivation of a new country ; 
with no security for future harvests; surrounded with a 
savage enemy ; visited witli a raging disease ; committing 
at times, two or three in a day to the grave ; of the living, 
scarcely enough who had strength to perform the rites of 
sepulture ; without despondency, firmly determined to abide 
the just appointments of Heaven, — and not admire a virtue 
which the religion of the Lord Jesus alone can furnish, 
and a patriotism to which the canonized heroes of Rome 
could never attain? 

Had their object been to obtain a property for themselves, 
and for their posterity, or to obtain a name among the 
heroes of enterprise, they had smik under their suflerings. 
Their souls were strengthened with other prospects. They 
confided in the wisdom of Heaven ; they firmly believed that 
the Most High would here plant and maintain his church ; 
that he would make the American wilderness like Eden, 
and her deserts like the garden of the Lord. 

Buoyed up by faith, strengthened by the promises, obsta- 
cles vanished before them. They knew God had often led 
his church into the wilderness, but he had never forsaken 
her. He raised up the righteous man from the east, brought 
him to a strange country ; the Canaanite was then in the 
land, but he gave thern as the dust to his sword, and as 
driven stubble to his bow. 

On the fifth of April, after their arrival, the Plymouth 
11* 



X26 SETTLEMKNT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

company were called to moiini the loss of their excellent 
governor, and a deacon of the chnrch, Mr. Carver. Mr. 
llradtbrd, a geiitleinan ot' distinguished worth, Avas chosen 
Jo suoeoed him, and. excoi)tini; lour years, he was annu- 
ally elected to the otlico till his death, in 1057. A little 
before the deatli of iNIr. Carver, the Indian sachem, Mas- 
sasoit, came into Plymouth in a friendly manner, and 
entered into a treaty of friendship with the colony, which 
he observed inviolably till his death, lie was grandfather 
of the tanious sachem, King Philip. 

After the tirst desolating sickness, the people of Plymouth 
were, generally, very healthy, and the most of the first 
planters who survived that epidemic, lived to old age. 
Their privations, however, and their sutlerings, insepara- 
ble from the civciunstances of their situation, were great in 
the extreme. Their property was, principally, held in 
common stock for the support of the whole ; and the 
wants of the few first years consumed most of their stores. 
Throuuh fear of the natives, having received some threat- 
ening intimations from some of the tribes, they were neces- 
sitated to erect a fort, to impale their whole village, and to 
keep a constant guard. 

In their excm-sions to lind a projier place for settlement, 
while their ship lay at the Cape, they found about ten 
bushels of Indian corn, which had been buried, for which 
they afterwards paid the owners, which helped to preserve 
their lives the first winter, and art'ord them seed for plant- 
ing in the ensuing s]>ring. Some friendly Indians taught 
them the manner of raising their corn, but their crop was 
very unequal to their necessities. Mr. Hutchinson is of 
opinion, that uo laiglish grain was raised in the colony 
previous to the year 1033, when a few ears of rye were 
produced. 

The first domestic cattle were brought to the colony in 
1021; previous to which they had none for milk or labor. 
The most credible liistorians atiirm, that these pilgrims 
subsisted, in repeated instances, for days and Aveeks 
together, without bread, feediug upon the wild nuts of 
the Avoods, and shell fish. Their diflicnlties for clothmg 



MASSACHL SETTS SETTLED. 1627. 127 

•were equally g^reat. Some of the ancient writers intimate, 
that the g^reat mortality in the first winter appears to have 
been the means, under a wise Providence, of preserving 
the colony from perishing by famine. 

The second summer after their arrival, the settlement 
was threatened with a famine by a severe drought. P^rorn 
the third week in May to the middle of July there was 
no rain. Their com, for which they had made their 
utmost exertions, withered under the heat of a scorching 
sun ; the ^eater part of it appeared irrecoverably lost. 
The Indians, seeing the distress of the English, flattered 
themselves they would soon be reduced by famine, so as 
to fall an easy prey. A public fast was appointed, and 
ob.ser\'ed throughout the colony with great solemnity. On 
the morning of the fast, the air was clear and hot, the 
earth powder and dust. During most of the day. the heat 
and drought continued ; but towards evening the clouds 
collected and poured down copious showers, which at once 
gladdened the face of the earth, and relieved the settlers 
from all their apprehensions. A day of public thanks- 
giving was ordained, out of gratitude for this providential 
relief. This is supposed to be the origin of the >t'ew 
England thanksgivings. 

Mr. White, a non-conformist minister at Dorchester, who 
had prevented some few of his countrymen who had .settled 
around the bay at Massachu.setts, from returning to Eng- 
land, by his assurances of procuring them relief and 
assistance, formed by great exertions an association of 
several gentlemen, who had imbibed puritanical opinions, 
for the purpose of conducting thither a colony, and rendering 
it an asylum from the p^ersecution of his own persuasion. 
In prosecution of their views, a treaty was concluded with 
the council of Plymouth, for the purchase of part of New 
England: and that corporation, in March. 1627, conveyed 
to Sir Henry Roswell and others, all that part of New 
England lying three miles to the south of Charles 
river, and three miles north of Merrimack river, and 
extending from the Atlantic to the South -Sea. A small 
number of planters and .ser\ants were soon afterwards 



12S SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

despatched, under Kndicott, a deep enthusiast, who, in 
{September, 102S, hiid the Ibundation ot* Salem, the first 
permanent town in JMassaeluisetts. The government of 
IMynunith for many years eontinued separate, and acquired 
the popular name of the "Old Colony." In the year 1029, 
soon after the organization of tlio company, under the 
sanction of the royal charter, they resolved a second em- 
barkation for their new colony; to support the expenses of 
which, it was resolved, that every ]icrson who should 
subscribe fifty pounds, should be entitled to two hundred 
acres of land, as the first dividend. Five ships were 
provided for the purpose, and being laden Avith cattle and 
other necessaries for the supply of the colony, witli three 
hundred persons, men, M'omen and children, they sailed 
tVom the Isle of Wight in May. and arrived at Salem in 
June, where they found Endicott. to wliom they brought a 
confirmation of his commission as governor. The colony 
now consisted of three hundred persons, of M'hom one 
hundred removed and settled the town of Charlestown, 
and the remainder continued at Salem. Mr. Higginson 
ai\d Mr. Skelton, distinguished for their learning and piety, 
both ot them, resolved to leml important services in laying 
the foundation of the American church. These faithfid 
servants of Christ cordially engaged in the great design ; 
they embarked with the second party, and arrived at 
Salem in UV29. 

Early in tlie following year, .Tohn AVinthrop. who had 
been appointed governor, and Thomas Dudley, deputy 
governor, with one thousand five hmidred persons, era- 
barked on board of seventeen vessels, at an expense of 
upwards of twenty thousand pounds, and arrived at Salem 
in July. 1030. Dissatisfied with this situation, they ex- 
plored the country in quest of a better station, and settled 
in many places round the bay, and laid the foundation of 
several towns: among others, of Boston, the fomidation of 
which was laid in September. 1030. 

On the arrival of Gov. Winthrop. in July, — who was, 
from thr.t time to his death, the head and father of the 
colony. — ho found the plantation in a suftering state. In 



rOCNDATION OF BOSTON. — !«». 



129 



t?ie preceding autumn, the colony contained a>x>ut throe 
hundred inhabitants ; eighty of thern difjd. and a great part 
of the survivors were in a weak, sickly state. Their supply 
of com was not sufficient for more than a fortnight, and 
their provisions were nearly exhausted. Friday, February 
6th; Vy.il, was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer; 
hut, on the .5th of February, a ship arrived with provisions, 
and a day of thanksgiving was appointed by the governor. 




The succeeding winter commenced in December, with 
great severity. Few of the houses which had been erected 
were comfortable. Unus^id to such severities of climate, the 
\xif)\)\(i suffered severely from the v/eather. Many of them 
died from the cold. On the opening of the spring of 1631, 
health was generally restored in the settlements ; but the 
colony was greatly imjK>verished. All the provisions that 
were brought from England, were purchased at a very 
high rate. By the length of the passage, and the severity 
of the winter, the greater part of their cattle died. Tlie 
materials for building, and implements of labor, were 
obtained with great difficulty and expen.se. This year, 



130 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND, 



great exertions were made for a crop of Indian corn, which 
was their whole dependence; and it pleased God to give 
them an abundant harvest. 

In the commencement of all the individual settlements, 
the planters were mindful of their great errand into the 
wilderness, and directed tlieir first exertions to the estab- 
lishment of the church of Cliiist, and the institution of the 
gospel. The iirst church, after the one at tSalem, was 
gathered at (^luirlestown, August 27th, 1630. Soon after 
this a church was organized at Dorchester. The next 
was at Boston, one at Roxbury, one at Lynn, and one at 
Watcrtown. In less than two years from the organization 
of the first church in Salem, there were in the colony 
seven churches. In 1633, came over Mr. Hayncs, after- 
wards the first governor of Connecticut, and Mr. Stone, 
Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Cotton, three of the most eminent 
lights of the New England churches. 

On the 21st of February, an order was made by the 
king in council, to stop the ships at that time ready to sail, 
freighted with passengers and provisions, for New England. 
But this order seems never to have been strictly executed, 
as the emigrations still continued, without any sensible 
diminution. 



-sa:/?^ ~v.ssfr sjj- >-'Vi-;sa:« 




Earthquakes 



CHAPTER X. 

Settlement of New England. — Discovery of Connecticut river — 
Dispute ivith the Dutch — First settlement of Connecticut — Fort Good 
Hope erected by the Dutch — Quarrel between the Dutch and the Ply- 
mouth men — Settlement of Hartford and Wethersfield by the Eng- 
lish — Expedition of Hooker — Sufferings of the colo7iists — Lords Say 
and Seal — Charier for Connecticut — Breaking out of the Pequod 
war — Murder of Mr. Oldham — Expedition of the English against 
the Pequods — Barbarities of the savages — Mason^s expedition — 
Alliance with the Narragansets — The forces march against the Pe- 
quods — Attack of the Indian fort at Mystic — Defeat and slaughter of 
the Pequods — General joy of the colony — Reinarkable circumstances 
attending the victory. 

The first discovery of the country on the Connecticut 
river was made by the enterprising people of Plymouth, in 
1633. The Plymouth people determined to undertake the 
enterprise at their own risk. Preparations were made for 
erecting a trading house, and establishing a small company 
upon the river. In the mean time, the master of a vessel 
from Massachusetts, who was trading at New Netherlands, 
now New York, where the Dutch had formed a settlement, 
showed to the Dutch governor the commission the English 
had to trade and settle in New England ; and that the king 
. had granted these parts to his own subjects ; he also 
desired that the Dutch would not build in Connecticut. 
The Dutch governor requested that the English would not 
settle in Connecticut until the affair should be determined 
between them. This appears to have been a piece of 
policy in the Dutch governor, to keep the English back 
until the Dutch had got a firm footing upon the river. 

In September, 1633, several vessels went into Connecti- 
cut river to trade. .Tohn Oldham, from Dorchester, with 
a few men, travelled through Connecticut, to view the 



132 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

country and trade with the Indians. He found that the 
Indian hemp grew in great abundance in the meadows, 
and purchased a quantity of it, which, upon trial, was 
found to exceed that which grew in England. William 
Holmes, of Plymouth, with his company, having prepared 
the frame of a house, and boards and materials for cover- 
ing it, immediately put them on board a vessel, and sailed 
for Connecticut. When he came into the river, he found 
that the Dutch had got in before him, made a light 
fort, and planted two pieces of cannon at the mouth of the 
little river since called Hartford. The Dutch forbade 
Holmes going up the river — stood by their cannon, and 
ordered him to strike his colors, or they would fire upon 
him ; but he was a man of spirit, and assured them that he 
had a commission from the governor of Plymouth, to go 
up the river, and go he would. They still threatened, but 
he proceeded — landed on the west side of the river, and 
erected his house just below the mouth of the little river 
in Windsor. This was the first house erected in Connecti- 
cut. It was covered with the utmost despatch, and well 
fortified. The sachems, who were original owners of 
the soil, liad been driven from this point of the country by 
the Pequods, and were now carried home on board 
Holmes' vessel. The Dutch, about the same time, erected 
a trading house at Hartford. It was with great difficulty 
that Holmes and his company erected and fortified their 
honsc, and kept it afterwards. The Dutch, before the 
Plymouth people took possession of the river, had been 
invited to trade with ihem at Connecticut ; but when they 
found that they were preparing for a settlement there, they 
repented of the invitation, and did all in their power to pre- 
vent them. 

On the Sth of Jnnc, 1633, the Dutch purcliased about 
twenty acres of land at Hartford, of a Pequod chief, where 
they built a fort, which they named Good Hope. Of this 
the Dutch took possession; they protested against Holmes, 
the builder of the trading house. Some time afterwards, 
the Dutch governor despatched a reinforcement from fort 
Amsterdam to Connecticut, designing to drive Holmes and 



SETTLEMENTS ON THE CONNECTICUT. — 1636. 133 

his company from the river. A hand of seventy men 
assaulted the Plymouth house ; hut they found it too well 
fortified, and gave up their design. In November and 
December, the small-pox raged among the Indians ; two 
sachems, with a great part of their Indians, died. When 
their own people forsook them, the English, who lived 
near them, went to their wigwams, and ministered to 
them. Some families spent almost their whole time with 
them. One Englishman buried thirty of their dead in one 
day. 

In 1634, at a meeting of the Massachusetts General 
Court, in September, the people of Newtown or Cambridge, 
made application for liberty to remove to Connecticut river; 
Mr. Hooker acting as principal advocate for the people. 
The court refused to give their consent ; and the design was 
given over. In 163.5, permission was granted, on condi- 
tion that the new settlement should continue subject to the 
jurisdiction of Massachusetts. The people of Newtown, 
Dorchester, and Watertown, now began to prepare for 
their new habitation. In the course of the season, several 
people went to Connecticut river — some by water, some 
through the wilderness. 

The Dorchester men sat down at "Windsor, near the 
Plymouth trading house. They purchased the building 
and land owned by the Plymouth peopie. The people from 
Newtown, of whom but few removed till the following year, 
settled at Hartford. The Watertown settlers began the 
town of Wethersfield. In 1636, about one hundred per- 
sons, men, women, and children, led by the Rev. Messrs. 
Hooker and Stone, together with their horses, cattle, and 
swine, commenced their journey through the wilderness to 
Connecticut river. They travelled about two weeks on 
foot, during which time they lived upon the milk of their 
cows. By the 25th of November, Connecticut river was 
frozen over ; heavy falls of snow succeeded, and the season 
was very severe. Several small vessels, which had been 
laden with their furniture and provisions, sailed from Bos- 
ton, and were wrecked on the coast. By the last of No- 
Tember, provisions began to fail in the settlements on the 
12 



134 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

river, and death looked them sternly in the face. Thirteen 
in one company, driven by hunger, attempted their way in 
this severe season. In passing the river one of their com- 
pany fell through the ice, and was drowned; the other 
twelve were kept from perishing by the Indians, and 
arrived in Massachusetts in ten days. 

Their distress was so great, that, by the first of Decem- 
ber, a considerable part of the settlers were obliged to 
abandon their habitations. As the only means of preserv- 
ing their lives, about seventy persons, men, women and 
children, loft their settlements, and went down the river, 
in hopes of meeting with provisions. As their expectation 
failed, they went on board the Rebecca, lying near the 
mouth of the river. This vessel, but two days before, was 
frozen in twenty miles up the river, but was released by 
the falling of a small rain, and reached Boston in five days. 
Had it not been for a very quick passage, the people must 
have perished. The people that kept their situations on 
the river sulTercd extremely. After all the help they were 
able to obtain by hunting, and from the Indians, they were 
obliged to subsist on acorns, malt, and grain. Great num- 
bers of cattle perished. Early in the spring, those who 
went from Connecticut to spend the winter with their 
friends, began to return to their new habitations. The 
first court held in Connecticut, was held at Newtown, 
April 26tli, lG3t). 

Towards the last of the year 1635, Mr. Winthrop, son 
of the Massachusetts governor, the worthy character who 
afterwards procured the Connecticut charter, arrived at 
Boston, with a commission from Lords Say and Seal, Lord 
Brook and others, to take possession of Connecticut river, 
and build a fort, which they had named Saybrook. In a 
few days a Dutch vessel appeared ofl' the harl)or, sent to 
take possession of the entrance of the river, and erect for- 
tifications ; but the English had by this time mounted two 
cannon, and prevented their landing. Thus, providential- 
ly, was this fine tract of coimtry preserved for our ver?era- 
blc ancestors and their ]iostcrity. 

In September, 1G3G, Mr. Pynchou, with a part of the 



MURDER OF OLDHAM. 1636. 135 

people of Roxbury, began the settlement of the town of 
Springfield ; but no sooner had the English begun to trade, 
and make settlements in Connecticut, than the Pequods 
began to murder, and kill their cattle. In 1634, they 
murdered Captains Stone and Norton, with their whole 
crew, consisting of eight men; they then plundered and 
sunk the vessel. In November following, the Pequods 
sent a messenger to Boston, for the purpose of obtaining 
peace with the English. He made an offer of a great 
quantity of beaver skins, to persuade the governor to enter 
into a league with them. The governor assured them that 
the English were willing to make peace, on condition that 
they would give up the murderers of Captain Stone and 
his men. The Indians assured him that the murderers were 
all dead but two, and they would give them up to justice. 
They offered to give up their right to Connecticut river, if 
the English desired to settle there, and engaged to assist 
them, as far as was in their power, in making settlements; 
they also agreed that they would give the English forty 
beaver, and thirty otter skins. The governor and council 
entered into a treaty with them on the conditions they 
proposed. Whatever their designs were at that time, they 
soon afterwards became more and more mischievous, hos- 
tile and bloody. 

In 1(336, John Oldham was murdered near Block Island. 
He had with him two boys, and two Narraganset Indians ; 
these were taken and carried off. John Gallup, as he was 
sailing from Connecticut to Boston, discovered Mr. Old- 
ham's vessel full of Indians, and saw a canoe go from her 
laden with goods. Suspecting they had murdered Mr. 
Oldham, he hailed them, but received no answer. Gallup 
was a bold man ; and although he had but one man and 
two boys with him, he immediately bore down upon her, 
and fired duck shot so thick among them, that he soon 
cleared the deck. The Indians all got under the hatches. 
He then stood off, bore down upon her, with a brisk gale, 
and nearly overset her, which so frightened the Indians 
that several jumped overboard, and were drowned. He 
then stood off, and, running down upon her the second 



136 6ETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

time, raked her fore and aft with his shot; and, running 
down upon her a third time, he gave her such a shock, 
that five more jumped overboard and were drowned. He 
then boarded her, and took two of the Indians and bound 
thcni. Two or three others, armed with swords, in a Uttle 
room below, could not be driven out. Mr. Oldham's 
corpse was found on board ; his head split, and the body 
mangled in a barbarous manner. Gallup and his men, 
then, as decently as possible, put the corpse into the sea. 
After taking her rigging and goods, which had not been 
carried off, they were obliged to let her go adrift, and she 
was lost. The Indians who committed the murder were 
chiefly Klock Islanders and Narragansets. The governor 
and council of Massachusetts despatched Captain Endi- 
cott, with ninety volunteers, to avenge the murder. 

The Narraganset sachems sent liome Mr. Oldham's 
two boys, and made peace with them; but the other 
Indians made no compensation. Captain Endicott was 
ordered to proceed to Block Island, put the men to the 
sword, and take possession of the island, but to spare the 
women and children. They sailed from Boston on the 25th 
of August. When they arrived at Block Island, forty or 
fifty Indians appeared on shore, and opposed their landing. 
After a short skirmish, the Indians fled to the woods. 
After the English had spent two days on the island, 
burning the wigwams, destroying the corn, and staving 
their canoes, they sailed for the Pequod country. When 
they had arrived in Pequod harbor. Captain Endicott 
acquainted the Pequods with his design ; in a few hours 
about three hundred Pequods appeared upon the shore; 
but as soon as they were fully informed of his business, 
they began to withdraw into the woods. He landed his 
men on both sides of the harbor, burnt their wigwams, 
destroyed their canoes, killed one or two Indians, and 
retnrned to Boston. 

This measure, instead of allaying, seemed to increase 
their hostility; several persons were taken near Saybrook 
fort, and tortured witli savage barbarity. About the 
begimiing of October, the Indians concealed themselves in 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1037. 137 

the grass in the meadow, and surprised five of the garri- 
son at Saybrook, as they were carrying home their hay. 
One man was taken and tortured to death ; the rest made 
their escape. Eight or ten days after, Joseph Filley, a 
master of a small vessel, was taken, as he was going down 
the Connecticut river. He came to anchor about three 
miles above the fort, and taking a canoe and one man 
with him, went a fowling. No sooner had he discharged 
his piece, than a large number of Pequods, arising from 
their concealment, took him, and killed his companion. 
The Indians used him in the most barbarous manner, first 
cutting off his hands and then his feet, thus torturing him 
to death. As he did not groan, they pronounced him a 
stout man. 

In March, 1637, Lieutenant Gardiner, who commanded 
the fort at Say brook, going out with about twelve men to 
burn their marshes, was waylaid near a narrow neck of 
land ; the enemy rose upon him, killed three of his men, 
and wounded several. The enemy pursued them in great 
numbers to the fort, and compassed it on all sides. They 
challenged the English to come out and fight; they 
boasted that they could kill the Englishmen — -'all one 
flies," — and mocked the groans of the wounded. But the 
cannon being loaded with grape-shot was fired among 
them, which caused them to groan in reality. 

Soon after, the enemy, in a number of canoes, beset a 
shallop, going down the river, witli three men on board. 
The men fought bravely, but were overpowered by num- 
bers, and taken. The Indians ripped them up from the 
bottom of their bellies to their throats, and cleft them 
down their backs. They then hung them upon trees 
beside the river, in full view of the English, as they passed 
up and down the river. 

In April, the Indians waylaid the people at Wethers- 
field, as they were going into the fields to labor, and killed 
six men and three women ; two maids were taken captive, 
twenty cows killed, and other damages done to the inhab- 
itants. 

The court holden at Hartford, May 1st, 1637, resolved 
12* 



138 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

to prosecute the war witli the Pequods, and that ninety men 
shoulil be raised ; forty-two from Hartford, thirty from 
Windsor, and eighteen from Wcthcrsficld. MavSsachu setts 
determined to send two hundred, and IMymouth forty men, 
to assist Connecticut in prosecuting the war. On Wednes- 
day, tlie IDtli of May, the Connecticut troops fell down the 
river, for the fort at Saybrook. Tlicy consisted of ninety 
EngUsinnen, and about seventy Mohegan and River 
Indians. They embarked on board a pink, a pinnace, 
and a shallop. Tiie Indians were commanded by Uncas, 
sachem of the Mohegans. The whole force was com- 
maniled by Captain John Mason, who had been bred a 
soldier in the old countries. The Rev. Mr. Stone, of Hart- 
ford, went their chaplain. On Monday, the 15th, the 
troops arrived at Saybrook fort. As the water was low, 
this little fleet several times ran aground. The Indians, 
impatient of delays, desired to be set on shore, promising 
to join the English at Saybrook. The captain, therefore, 
granted their request. On their march they fell in with 
about forty of the enemy, near the fort, killed seven, and 
took one prisoner. 

The prisoner had been a perfidious villain. He had 
lived hi the fort some time before, and could speak English 
well. I?ut after the Pequods commenced hostilities against 
the ICnglish, he became a constant spy upon the garrison, and 
acquainted Sassacus, their chief, with everything lie could 
discover. He had been present at the slaughter of all the 
English who had been killed at Saybrook. Uncas and 
his men insisted upon executing him according to the 
maimer of their ancestors ; and the English, in the circum- 
stances in which they were, did not judge it prudent to 
interpose. The Indians, kindling a large fire, violently 
tore him limb from limb. Barbarously cutting his flesh in 
pieces, they handed it round from one to another, eating it, 
singing and dancing round the fire, in their violent and 
tunniltuous manner. The bones, and such parts of their 
captive, as Avere not consumed in this dreadful repast, were 
committed to the flames, and burnt to ashes. 

This success was matter of joy, not only as it was a 



WAE WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 139 

check upon the enemy, but it was an evidence of the 
fidelity of Uncas, and his Indians, of which the Enghsh 
had been before in doubt. There were other circum- 
stances, however, which more than counterbalanced this 
joy. The arrny lay wind-bound until Friday, and Captain 
Mason and his officers were entirely divided in opinion, 
with respect to the manner of prosecuting their enterprise. 
The court, by the commission and instructions which it 
had given, enjoined the landing of the men at Pequod har- 
bor, and that from thence they should advance upon the 
enemy. The captain was for passing by them, and sail- 
ing to the Narraganset country. He was fixed in this 
opinion, because that, expecting the army at Pequod 
harbor, they kept watch u\)on the river night and day. 
Their number of men greatly exceeded his. He was 
informed, at Savbrook. that thev had sixteen fire-arms, 
with powder and shot. The harbor was compassed with 
rocks, and the thickeLs afforded the enemy every advan- 
tage. They were upon the land, and exceedingly light- 
footed. He was therefore of the opinion that they would 
render it very difficult and dangerous to land, and that he 
might sustain such loss as would discourage his men and 
frustrate the design of the expedition. 

If they should make good their landing, he was sure 
that, while they directed their march through the country 
to the enemy's forts, they would waylay and attack them 
with their whole force, at every difficult pass. Besides, 
if they should find, on trial, that they were not able to 
defeat the English, they would run off to swamps and fast- 
nesses, where they could not be found : and they should 
not be able to effect anything capital against them. He 
was not without hopes, that, by going to Narragan.set, he 
might surprise them. There was also some prospect that 
the rsarragansets would join him in Vthe expedition, and 
that he micrht fall in with some part \ of the troops from 
Massachu.setts. i^ 

His officers and men in general were for attending their 
mstructions, and going at all hazards directly to the forts. 
The necessity of their affairs at home — the danger of the 



J 40 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

Indians attacking their families and settlements in their 
absence, made them wish at once to despatch the business 
on which they had been sent. They did not relish a long 
march through the wilderness. They also imagined that 
they might be discovered, even should they determine to 
march from Narraganset to the attack of the enemy. In 
this division of opinion, Mr. Stone was desired by the offi- 
cers most importunately to pray for them, that their way 
might be directed, and that, notwithstanding the present 
embarrassment, the enterprise might be crowned with 
success. 

Mr. Stone spent most of Thursday night in prayer, and 
the next morning, visiting Captain Mason, assured him, 
that he had done as he was desired ; adding, that he was 
entirely satisfied Avith liis plan. The council was again 
called ; and, upon a full view of all the reasons, unani- 
mously agreed to proceed to Narraganset. It was also 
determined that twenty men should be sent back to Con- 
necticut, to strengthen the infant settlements, while the 
rest of the troops were employed in service against the 
enemy ; and, that Captain Underbill, with nineteen men, 
from the garrison at Saybrook fort, should supply their 
places. 

On Friday, May 19th, the captain sailed for Narragan- 
set bay, and arrived on Saturday at the desired port. On 
Monday, Captain Mason and Captain Underbill marched 
with a guard to the plantation of Canonicus, and ac- 
quainted him with the design of their coming. A messen- 
ger was immediately despatched to Miantonimoh, the chief 
sachem of the Narragansets, to acquaint him also with the 
expedition. The next day Miantonimoh met them, with 
his chief counsellors and warriors, consisting of about two 
hundred men. Captain Mason certified him that the 
occasion of his coming with armed men into his country, 
was to avenge the intolerable injuries which the Pequods, 
—his as well as their enemies,— had done the English ; and 
that he desired a free passage to the Pequod forts. After 
a solemn consultation, in the Indian manner, Miantonimoh 
answered, that he highly approved of the expedition, and 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 141 

that he would send men. He observed, however, that the 
English were not sufficient in number to fight with the 
enemy. He said the Pequods were great captains, skilled 
in war, and rather slighted the English. 

Captain Mason landed liis men, and marched just at 
night to the plantation of Canonicus, which was appointed 
to be the place of general rendezvous. That night there 
arrived an Indian runner in the camp, with a letter from 
Captain Patrick, who had arrived with his party at Mr. 
Williams' plantation, in Providence. Captain Patrick 
signified his desire that Captain Mason would wait until 
he could join him. Upon deliberation, it was determined 
not to wait, though a junction was greatly desired. The 
men had already been detained much longer than was 
agreeable to their wishes. When they had absolutely 
resolved the preceding day to march the next morning, the 
Indians insisted that they were but in jest; that English- 
men talked much, but would not fight. 

It was, therefore, feared that any delay would have a 
bad effect upon them. It was also suspected that, if they 
did not proceed immediately, (hey should be discovered, 
as there were a number of squaws who maintained an 
intercourse between the Pequod and Narraganset Indians. 
The army, therefore, consisting of seventy-seven English- 
men, sixty Mohegan and River Indians, and about two 
hundred Narragansets, marched on Wednesday morning, 
and that day reached the eastern Nihantic, about eighteen 
or twenty miles from the place of rendezvous the night 
before. This was a frontier to the Pequods, and was the 
seat of one of the Narraganset sachems. Here the army 
halted at the close of the day. But the sachem and his 
Indians conducted themselves in a haughty manner 
towards the English, and would not suffer them to enter 
within their fort. Captain Mason, therefore, placed a 
strong guard round the fort, and as the Indians would not 
suffer him to enter it, he determined that none of them 
should come out. Knowing the perfidy of the Indians, 
and that it was customary among them to suffer the near- 
est relatives of their greatest enemies to reside with them. 



142 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

he judged it necessary to prevent their discovering him to 

the enemy. 

In the morning a considerable nnmher of Miantonimoh's 
men came on and joined the English. This encouraged 
many of the Nihantics also to join them. They soon 
formed a circle, and made protestations how gallantly they 
would fight, and what numbers they would kill. When 
the army marched the next morning, the captain had with 
him nearly five hundred Indians. He marched twelve 
miles to the ford in Pawcatuck river. The day was very 
hot, and the men, through the great heat, and a scarcity of 
provisions, began to faint. The army, therefore, made a 
considerable halt, and refreshed themselves. Here the 
Narraganset Indians began to manifest their dread of the 
Pequods, and to inquire of Captain Mason, with great 
anxiety, what were his real designs. He assured them, 
that it was his design to attack the Pequods in their forts. 
At this they appeared to be panic struck, and filled with 
amazement. Many of them drew off, and returned to 
Narraganset. 

The army marched on about three miles, and came lo 
Indian corn fields, and the captain, imagining that he drew 
near the enemy, made a halt : he called his guides and 
council, and demanded of the Indians how far it was to 
the forts. They represented, that it was twelve miles to 
Sassacus's fort, and that both forts were in a manner im- 
pregnable. Weqnosh, a Pequod captain or petty sachem, 
who had revolted from Sassacus, to the Narragansets, was 
the principal guide, and he proved foithful. He gave such 
information respecting the distance of the forts from each 
other, and the distance which they were then at from the 
chief sachem's, as determined him and his olTicers to alter 
the resolution which they had before adopted, of attacking 
them both at once, and to make a united attack upon that 
at Mystic. He found his men so fatigued, in marching 
through a pathless wilderness, with their provisions, arms, 
and annnunition, and so affected with the heat, that this 
resolution appeared to be absolutely necessary. One of 
Captain Underhill's men became lame, at the samo time, 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 143 

and began to fail. The army, therefore, proceeded directly 
to Mystic, and, continuing their march, came to a small 
swamp between two hills, just at the disappearing of the 
daylight. 

The officers, supposing that they were now near the fort, 
pitched their little camp between or near two large rocks 
in Groton, since called Porter's Rocks. The men were 
faint and weary, and though the rocks were their pillows, 
their rest was sweet. The guards and sentinels were con- 
siderably advanced in the front of the army, and heard 
the enemy singing at the fort, who continued their rejoic- 
ings even until midnight. They had seen the vessels pass 
the harbor some days before, and had concluded that the 
English were afraid, and had not courage to attack them. 
They were, therefore, rejoicing, singing, dancing, insulting 
them, and wearying themselves, on this account. The 
night was serene, and, towards morning, the moon shone 
clear. The important crisis was now come, when the 
very existence of Connecticut, under Providence, was to 
be determined by the sword, in a single action, and to be 
decided by the good conduct of less than eighty brave men. 
The Indians who remained were now sorely dismayed, 
and, though at first they had led the van, and boasted of 
great feats, yet were now all fallen back in the rear. 

About two hours before day, on the 26th of May, 1637, 
the men were roused with all expedition, and briefly com- 
mending themselves and their cause to God, advanced 
immediately towards the fort. After a march of about 
two miles, they came to the foot of a large hill, where a 
fine country opened before them. The captain, supposing 
that the fort could not be far distant, sent for the Indians 
in the rear to come up. Uncas and Wequosh at length 
appeared. He demanded of them where the fort was. 
They answered, on the top of the hill. He demanded of 
them, where were the other Indians. They answered, that 
they were much afraid. The captain sent to them not to 
fly, but to surround the fort at any distance they pleased, 
and see whether Englishmen would fight. The day was 
nearly dawning, and no time was to be lost. The men 



144 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

pressed on, in two divisions, Captain Mason to the north- 
eastern and Captain Underhill to the western entrance. 
As the object which they had been so long seeking came 
into view, and while they reflected they were to fight not 
only for themselves, but their parents, wives, children, and 
the whole colony, the martial spirit kindled in their bosoms, 
and they were wonderfully animated. 

As Mason advanced within a rod or two of the fort, a 
dog barked, and an Indian roared out, Owanux ! Owanux ! 
that is, Englishmen ! Englishmen ! The troops pressed 
on, and, as the Indians were rallying, poured in upon them, 
through the palisadoes, a general discharge of their mus- 
kets, and then wheeling off to the prmcipal entrance, 
entered the fort sword in hand. Notwithstanding the 
suddenness of the attack, the blaze and thunder of their 
arms, the enemy made a manly and desperate resistance. 
Mason and his party drove the Indians in the main street 
towards the west part of the fort, where some bold men, 
who had forced their way, met them, and made such 
slaughter among them, that the street was soon clear of 
the enemy. They secreted themselves in and behind their 
wigwams, and taking advantage of every covert, main- 
tained an obstinate defence. 

The English entered the wigwams, where they were 
beset with many Indians, who took every advantage to 
shoot them, and lay hands upon them, so that it was with 
great difficulty that they could defend themselves with 
their swords. After a severe conflict, in which many of 
the Indians were slain, some of the English killed, and 
others sorely wounded, the victory still hung in suspense. 
Mason, finding himself much exhausted, and out of breath, 
as well as his men, by the extraordinary exertions which 
they had made, in this critical state of action, had recourse 
to a successful expedient. He cried out to his men, " We 
must burn them:' He immediately entered a wigwam, 
took fire, and put it into the mats with which the wig- 
warns were covered. The fire, instantly kindling, spread 
with such violence that all the Indian houses were soon 
wrapped in flames. As the fire increased, the English 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 145 

retired without the fort, and compassed it on every side. 
Uncas and his Indians, with such of the Narragansets as 
yet remained, took courage from the example of the Eng- 
hsh, and formed another circle in the rear of them. 

The enemy were now seized with astonishment, and, 
forced by the flames from their lurking-places, into open 
light, became a fair mark for the English soldiers. Some 
climbed the palisadoes, and were instantly brought down 
by the fire of the English muskets. Others, desperately 
sallying forth from their burning cells, were shot, or cut in 
pieces with the sword. Such terror fell upon them, that 
they would run back from the English into the very flames. 
Great numbers perished in the conflagration. 

The violence of the fire, the reflection of the light, the 
flashing and roar of the arms, the shrieks and yellings of 
the men, women and children in the fort, and the shout- 
ings of the Indians without, just at the dawning of the 
morning, exhibited a grand and awful scene. In a little 
more than an hour, this whole work of destruction was 
finished. Seventy wigwams were burnt, and five or six 
hundred Indians perished, either by the sword or in the 
flames. A hundred and fifty warriors had been sent on 
the evening before, who that very morning were to have 
gone forth against the English. Of these, and all who 
belonged to the fort, seven only escaped, and seven were 
made prisoners. It had been previously concluded not to 
burn the fort, but to destroy the enemy, and take the plun- 
der ; but the captain afterwards found it the only expedient 
to obtain the victory, and save his men. Thus parents 
and children, the sannup and squaw, the old man and 
babe, perished in promiscuous ruin. 

Though the victory was complete, yet the army were in 
great danger and distress. The men had been exceedingly 
fatigued, by the heat and long marches through rough and 
difficult places, and by that constant watch and guard 
which they had been obliged to keep. They had now been 
greatly exhausted by the sharpness of the action, and the 
exertions which they had been necessitated to make. Their 
loss was very considerable. Two men were killed, and 
13 



146 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

nearly twenty wounded. This was more than one quarter 
of the English. Numbers fainted by reason of fatigue, the 
heat, and want of necessaries. The surgeon, their provi- 
sions, and the articles necessary for the wounded, were on 
board the vessels, which had been ordered to sail from the 
Nurragansct bay the night before, for Pequod harbor ; but 
there was no appearance of them in the sound. They 
were sensible that, by the burning of the fort, and the noise 
of war they had alarmed the country, and therefore, were 
in constant expectation of an attack, by a fresh and nu- 
merous enemy from the other fortress, and from every 
quarter whence the Pcquods might be collected. 

A number of friendly Indians had been wounded, and 
they were so distracted with fear, that it was difficult even 
to speak with their guide and interpreter, or to know any- 
thing what they designed. The English were in an ene- 
my's country, and entire strangers to the way in which 
they must return. The enemy were far more numerous 
than themselves, and enraged to tlie highest degree. An- 
other circumstance rendered their situation still more dan- 
gerous; tlieir provisions and ammunition were nearly 
expended. Four or five men were so wounded that it was 
necessaiy to carry them; and they were also obliged to 
bear about twenty fire-arms, so that not more than forty 
men could be spared for action. After an interval of about 
an hour, while the officers were in consultation what course 
they should take, their vessels, as though guided by the 
hand of Providence to serve the necessities of these brave 
men, came full in view, and, under a fair gale, were steer- 
ing directly into the harbor. This, in the situation of the 
army at that time, was a most joyful sight. 

Immediately upon the discovery of the vessels, about 
three hundred Indians came on from the other fort. Cap- 
tain Mason, perceiving their approach, led out a chosen 
party to engage them, and try their temper. lie gave 
them such a warm reception, as soon checked and put 
them to a stand. This gave him great encouragement, 
and he ordered the army to march for Pequod harbor. 
The enemy, upon this, immediately advanced to the hill 



WAR WrXH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 147 

where the fort stood ; and, viewing the destruction which 
had been made, stamped, and tore their hair from their 
heads. After a short pause, and blowing themselves up to 
the highest transport of passion, they leaped down the hill 
after the army, in the most violent manner, as though they 
were about to run over the English. 

Captain Underbill, who, with a number of the best men, 
was ordered to defend the rear, soon checked the eagerness 
of their pursuit, and taught them to keep at a more re- 
spectful distance. The friendly Indians who had not 
deserted, now kept close to the English; and it was be- 
lieved, that, after the enemy came on, they were afraid to 
leave them. The enemy pursued the army nearly six 
miles ; sometimes shooting at a distance, from behind the 
rocks and trees, and, at other times, pressing on more 
violently, and desperately hazarding themselves in the 
open field. 

That the English might b^ enabled to fight, Captain 
Mason soon hired the Indians to carry the wounded men 
and their arms. The English killed several of the enemy 
while they pursued ihem, but sustained no loss themselves. 
When they killed a Pequod, the other Indians would .shout, 
run, and fetch his head. At length the enemy, finding 
that they could make no impression upon the army, and 
that wounds and death attended their attempts, gave over 
the pursuit. The army then marched to the harbor, with 
their colors flying, and were received on board the vessels 
with great mutual joy and congratulation. 

In about three weeks from the time the men embarked 
at Hartford, they returned again to their respective habi- 
tations. They were received with the greatest exultation. 
As the people had been deeply affected with their danger, 
and full of anxiety for their friends, while nearly half the 
effective men in the colony were in service, upon so haz- 
ardous an enterprise ; so sudden a change, in the great 
victory obtained, and in the safe return of so many of their 
children and neighbors, filled them with exceeding joy and 
thankfulness. Every family, and every worshipping assem- 
bly, spoke the language of praise and thanksgiving. 



148 SETTLEMENT Of NEW ENGLAND, 

Several circumstances attending this enterprise were 
much noticed by the soldiers themselves, and especially 
by all the pious people. It was considered as very prov- 
idential, that the army should march nearly forty miles, 
and a considerable part of it in the enemy's country, and 
not be discovered until the moment they were ready to 
commence the attack. It was judged remarkable that the 
vessels should come into the harbor at the very hour in 
which they were most needed. 

The life of Captain Mason was very signally preserved. 
As he entered a wigwam for fire to burn the fort, an In- 
dian was drawing an arrow to the very head, and would 
have killed him instantly ; but Davis, one of his sergeants, 
cut the bow-string with his cutlass, and prevented the 
fatal shot. Lieutenant Bull received an arrow into a hard 
piece of cheese, Avhich he had in his clothes, and by it 
was saved harmless. Two soldiers, John Dyer and 
Thomas Stiles, both servaj^ts of one man, were shot in the 
knots of their neckcloths, and by them preserved from 
instant death. 

Few enterprises have ever been achieved with more 
personal bravery or good conduct. In few instances have 
so great a proportion of the effective men of a Avhole 
colony, state, or nation, been put to so great and imme- 
diate danger. In few have a people been so deeply and 
immediately interested, as the whole colony of Connecticut 
was in this, in that uncommon crisis. In these respects, 
even the great armaments and battles of Europe, are, com- 
paratively, of little importance. In this, under the divine 
conduct, by seventy-seven brave men, Connecticut Avas 
saved, and the most Avarlike and terrible Indian nation in 
New England defeated and ruined. 



CHAPTER XI 



Settlement of New England. — Consternation and fiight of the 
Pequods — Release of captwes by the Dutch — Prosecution of the Pequod 
timr — Capture of Pequods at Fairfield — Defeat and dispersion of the 
enemy — Treaty with Uncas and Miantonimoh — Total esciirpation of 
the Pequods — Pacification of the colonies — Connecticut frames a con- 
stitution — Foundation of New Haven, 




Indian wars. 

The body of the Pequods, returning from the pursuit of 
Captain Mason, repaired to Sassacus, at the royal fortress, 
and related the doleful story of their misfortunes. They 
charged them all to his haughtiness and misconduct, and 
threatened him and his with immediate destruction. His 
friends and chief counsellors interceded for him ; and, at 
their entreaty, his men spared his life. Then, upon con- 
sultation, they concluded that they could not, with safety, 
remain any longer in the country. They were, indeed, 
so panic-struck, that, burning their wigwams, and destroy- 
13* 



150 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

ing their fort, they fled and scattered into various parts of 
the country. .Sassacus, Mononotto, and seventy or eighty 
of their chief counsellors and warriors, took their route 
towards Hudson's river. 

Just before (>aptain Mason went out upon the expedi- 
tion against the Pequods, the Dutch performed a very 
neighborly office for Connecticut. Tlie two maids, who 
had been captured at Wethersfield, had, through the 
humanity and mediation of Mononotto's squaw, been 
spared from death, and kindly treated. The Dutch gov- 
ernor, receiving intelligence of their circumstances, deter- 
mined to redeem them at any rate, and despatched a sloop 
to Pequod harbor for that purpose. Upon its arrival, the 
Dutch made large oilers for their redemption, but the 
Pequods would not accept them. Finally, as the Dutch 
had a number of l^equods on board, whom they had taken, 
and finding that they could do no better, they offered the 
Pequods six of their own men for the two maids. These 
they accepted, and the Dutch delivered the young Avomen 
at Saybrook, just before Captain Mason and his party 
arrived. Of them he received particular information 
respecting the enemy. 

An Indian runner, despatched by Mr. Williams, at 
Providence, soon carried the news of the success of Con- 
necticut against the Pequods, to the governor of Massa- 
chusetts. The governor and his council, judging that the 
Poipiods had received a capital blow, sent forward but a 
luuidred and twenty men. These were conumuided by 
Mr. Stoughton, and the Rev. Mr. AVilson, of Boston, was 
sent as his chaplain. This party arrived at Pequod har- 
bor the latter part of June. By the assistance of the Nar- 
raganset Indians, the party under Captain Stoughton 
surrounded a large body of Pequods in a swamp. They 
took eighty captives. Thirty were men; the rest were 
women and children. The men, except two sachems, 
were killed, but the women and children were saved. 
Tiie saclicms promised to conduct the English to Sassacus, 
and for that i)urpose were spared for the present. 

The court of Connecticut ordered that forty men should 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 151 

be raised forthwith for the further prosecution of the war 
against the Pequods, to be commanded by Captain Mason. 
The troops from Connecticut made a junction with the 
party under the command of Captain Stoughton, at Pe- 
quod. Mr. Ludlow, Avith other principal gentlemen from 
Connecticut, went also with the army, to advise with 
respect to the measures to be adopted in the further pros- 
ecution of the war. Upon general consultation, it was 
concluded to pursue the Pequods, who had fled to the 
westward. The army marched immediately, and soon 
discovered the places where the enemy had rendezvoused, 
at their several removes. As these were not far distant 
from each other, it appeared that they moved slowly, 
having their women and children with them. They also 
were without provisions, and were obliged to dig for clams, 
and to range the groves for such articles as they afforded. 

The English found some scattering Pequods as they 
scoured the country, whom they captured, and from whom 
they obtained intelligence relative to the Pequods whom 
they were pursuing. But finding that the sachems, whom 
they had spared, would give them no information, they 
beheaded them, on their march, at a place called Mcnun- 
katuck, since Guilford; from which circumstance, the 
spot on which the execution was done, bears the name of 
Sachem's Head to the present time. In three days, they 
arrived at New Haven harbor. The vessels sailed along 
the shore, Avhile the troops marched by land. 

At New Haven, then called Q,uinnipiack, a great smoke, 
at a small distance, was discovered in the woods. The 
officers, supposing that they had now discovered the enemy, 
ordered the army immediately to advance upon them ; but 
were soon informed that they were not in that vicinity. 
The Connecticut Indians had kindled the fires whence the 
smoke arose. The troops soon embarked on board the 
vessels. After staying several days at New Haven, the 
officers received intelligence from a Pequod, whom they 
had previously sent to make discovery, that the enemy 
were at a considerable distance, in a great swamp, to the 
westward. Upon this information, the army marched 



f 
162 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

with all possible despatch to a great swamp in Fairfield, 
where were eighty or a huiulred Pequod warriors, and 
nearly two limulrcd other Indians. 

'I'hc swamp was such a thicket, so deep and boggy, that 
it was diflicult to enter it, or make any movement without 
sinking in the mire. Lieutenant Davenport, and others, 
rushing eagerly into it, were sorely wounded, and several 
were soon so deep in the mud, that they could not get out 
witliout assistance. The enemy pressed them so hard, 
(hat thoy were just ready to seize them by the hair of their 
liead. A number of brave men were obliged to rescue 
them sword in hand. Some of the Indians were slain, 
and the men were drawn out of the mire. The swamp 
was surrounded, and, after a considerable skirmish, the 
Indians desired a parley. 

As the officers were not willing to make a promiscuous 
destruction of men, women, and children, and as the sa- 
chem and Indians of the vicinity had fled into the swamp, 
though they had done the colonies no injury, a parley was 
granted. Thomas Stanton, a man well acquainted with 
the manners and language of the Indians, was sent to 
treat with them. He was authorized to oiler life to all the 
Indians who had shed no English blood. Upon this offer, 
the sachem of the place came out to the English, and one 
company of old men, women and children, after another, 
to the nunibor of about two hundred. 

The sachoui of the place declared, for himself and his 
Indians, that they had never shed the blood of the English, 
nor done them any harm. But the Pequod warriors had 
too great a spirit to accept of the offer of life, declaring 
that they would fight it out. They shot their arrows at 
Stanton, and pressed so hard upon him, that the soldiers 
were obliged to fly to his rescue. The fight was then 
renewed, the soldiers firing upon them whenever an 
opportunity presented. But, by reason of an unhappy 
division among the officers, a great part of the enemy 
escaped. Some were for forcing the swamp immediately, 
but this was opposed, as too dangerous. Others were for 
cutting it down, as they had taken many hatchets, with 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 153 

which they were of the opinion it might be efTcctcd. Some 
others were for making a palisado and hedge around it, 
but neither of these measures could be adopted. 

As night came on, t?ic Enghsh cut through a narrow 
part of it, by which the circumference was greatly les- 
sened; so that the soldiers, at twelve feet distance from 
each other, were able completely to compass the enemy. 
In this manner they enclosed and watched them until it 
was nearly morning. A thick fog arose just before day, 
and it became exceedingly dark. At this juncture, the 
Indians took the opportunity to break through the Eng- 
lish. They made their first attempt upon Captain Patrick's 
quarters, yelling in their hideous manner, and pressing on 
with violence, but they were several times driven back. 
As the noise and tumult of war increased, Captain Mason 
sent a party to assist Captain Patrick. Captain Trask 
also marched to reinforce him. 

As the battle greatly increased, the siege broke up. 
Captain Mason marched to give assi.stance in the action. 
Advancing to the turn of the swamp, he found that the 
enemy were pressing out upon him ; but he gave them so 
warm a reception, that they were soon glad to retire. 
While he was expecting that tjiey would make another 
attempt upon him, they faced about, and falling violently 
on Captain Patrick, broke through his quarters and fled. 
These were their bravest warriors, sixty or seventy of 
whom made their escape. About twenty were killed, and 
one hundred and eighty were taken prisoners. The Eng- 
lish also took hatchets, wampum, kettles, trays, and other 
Indian utensil,«. 

In a few days the troops from Massachusetts arrived, 
and the remnants of the Pequods were pursued to their 
hiding-places. Every wigwam was burned and every set- 
tlement broken up. The Pequod women and children 
who had been captured, were divided among the troops. 
Some were carried to Connecticut, and others to Mas- 
sachusetts. The people of Massachusetts sent a number 
of the women and boys to the West Indies, and sold them 
for slaves. It was supposed that about seven hundred 



154 BETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

Pequods were destroyed. The women who were cap- 
tured, reported, that thirteen sachems had been slain, and 
that thirteen yet survived. Among the latter were Sassa- 
cus and Mononotto, the two chief sachems. These, with 
about twenty of their best men, fled to the Mohawks, who 
put Sassacus to death. They carried off" wampum to the 
amount of five hundred pounds. The Mohawks surprised 
and slew them all, except Mononotto. They wounded 
liim, but he made his escape. The scalp of Sassacus was 
sent to Connecticut in the fall, and Mr. Ludlow, and sev- 
eral other gentlemen, going into Massachusetts, in Septem- 
ber, carried a lock of it to Boston as a rare sight, and a 
sure demonstration of the death of their mortal enemy. 
A mong the Pequod captives were the wife and children of 
Mononotto. She was particularly noticed, by the English, I 
for her great modesty, humanity, and good sense. She 
made it her only request, that she might not be injured, 
cither as to her offspring or personal honor. As a requital 
of her kindness to the captured maids, her life, and the 
lives of her children, were not only spared, but they were 
particularly recommended to the care of Governor VVin- 
throp. He gave charge for their protection and kind treat- I 
ment. 

After the swamp fight, the Pequods became so weak and 
scattered, that the Narragansets and Mohegans constantly , 
killed them, and brought in their heads to Windsor and ! 
Hartford. Those who survived were so hunted and har- 
assed, that a number of their chief men repaired to the 
English, at Hartford, for relief They offered, if their lives 
might be spared, that they would become the servants of 
the Englisli, and be disposed of at their pleasure. This 
was granted, and the court interposed for their protection. 

Uncas and Miantonimoh, with the Pequods, by the 
direction of the magistrates of Connecticut, met at Hart- 
ford ; and it Avas demanded by them, how many of the 
Pequods were yet living. They answered, about two 
hundred, besides women and children. The magistrates 
then entered into a firm covenant with them, to the follow- 
ing effect : that there should be perpetual peace between 



WAR WITH THE PEQUODS. 1637. 155 

Miantonimoh and Uncas, and their respective Indians; and 
that all past injuries should be remitted, and forever buried: 
that if any injuries should be done, in future, by one party 
to the other, they should not immediately revenge it, but 
appeal to the English to do them justice. It was stipu- 
lated, that they should submit to their determination, and 
that if either party should be obstinate, then they might 
enforce submission to their decisions. It was further 
agreed, that neither the Mohegans nor Narragansets should 
conceal nor entertain any of their enemies, but deliver up 
or destroy all such Indians as had murdered any English 
man or woman. 

The English then gave the Pequod Indians to the Nar- 
ragansets and Mohegans, eighty to Miantonimoh, twenty 
to Ninnigret, and the other hundred to Uncas, to be re- 
ceived and treated as their men. It was also covenanted 
that the Pequods should never more inhabit their native 
country, nor be called Pequods, but Narragansets and Mo- 
hegans. It was also further stipulated, that neither the 
Narragansets nor Mohegans should possess any part of the 
Pequod country without the consent of the English. The 
Pequods were to pay a tribute at Connecticut, annually, 
of a fathom of wampumpeag for every sannup, of half a 
fathom for every young man, and of a hand for every 
male papoose. On these conditions, the magistrates, in 
behalf of the colony, stipulated a firm peace with all the 
Indians. 

The conquest of the Pequods struck all the Indians in 
New England with terror. The whole Pequod nation was 
exterminated. There remained not a man, woman nor 
child of that name. So severe a blow produced a power- 
ful and permanent effect. The land had peace. The 
infant was safe in the cradle, and the laborer in the fields. 
The traveller was unmolested on the highway, and the 
settlement needed no palisadoes. The colonies remained 
free from Indian hostilities for nearly forty years. In this 
state of tranquillity the people of Connecticut had leisure 
to perfect their political institutions. In January, 1639, a 
eonstitution, formed on liberal principles, was promulgated. 



156 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 



Freedom of suffrage was established, and representation 
was apportioned according to population. Settlements 
increased. New Haven was founded in 1638, and Long 
Island was included in the colony. 




CHAPTER XII. 

Settlement of New England. — New Hampshire explored by Captain 
Smith — Settlements made by Gorges and Mason — Portsmouth founded 
— Union of the colony with Massachusetts — Roger Williams in Massa- 
chusetts — Settlement of Rhode Island — Anne Hutchinson and her ad- 
herents remove to Rhode Island — The colony obtains a charter — Maine 
— Settlements on the Kennebec — Charter of Gorges — Union of Maine 
with Massachusetts — Tlie English conquer New Netherlands — Attempt 
of Andros on Connecticut — Slate of religion in the colonies — Persecu- 
tion of Quakers — Manners and customs — Commerce — Arts, manufac- 
tures, and education. 

The colony of New Hampshire, which now holds a dis- 
tinguished rank among the New England states, though its 
settlement began at a very early period, did not become a 
separate colony till many years after that settlement com- 
menced. Captain Smith, of Virginia, who sailed along the 
shore of New England, in 1614, and published a chart of 
the coast, with some account of the country, discovered 
the river Piscataqua. He found the river to be large, the 
harbor capacious and safe, and gave a favorable represen- 
tation of the place as a site for a new plantation. 

Gorges and Mason, two members of the council of Ply- 
mouth, in England, having obtained from the council a 
grant of that tract of country, attempted the establishment 
of a colony and fishery at the river Piscataqua. In the 
spring of the year 1623, they sent over a few persons for 
this purpose, who sat down on the south side of the river, 
near its mouth, and there fixed a temporary residence. 
This was the beginning of the ancient and flourishing 
town of Portsmouth, The same year, two of the company 
erected a fish-house at the place of the present town of 
Dover. 

14 



158 



BKTTLKMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 




Founding of rortsmoiith. 

Those settlements, for several years, were small, and 
seareely permanent. In IG'29, some of the settlers about 
the Massaehnsetts Bay wishins; to imitc with the settle- 
ment at Piseataqua, they assembled the chiefs of several 
Indian tribes at Sqnamsoot Falls, now Exeter, and, for a 
valuable consideration, made a purchase of an extensiA'C 
tract of land. In the instrument of conveyance, the natives 
express a "desire to have the English come and settle 
among them, as among their countrymen in Massachu- 
setts." After this purchase, the plantation had a moderate 
increase, but no new settlements were made till the year 
1038, which was the beginning of the towns of Exeter and 
Hampton. 

The people at Dover early erected a convenient meeting- 
house, which was afterwards used as a fortitication. A 
church was soon organized, of a character similar to the 
churches in the neighboring colonies; and JNtr. William 
Leverich, a worthy and able Puritan divine, came from 
England, in lt>3o. and became their minister. The settle- 
ment at Portsmouth, in their intant state, erected a house 
for divine worship, and enjoyed, successively, the labors 
of several faithful ministers. The ministry of one of these, 



TOWNS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE FOUNDED. 1639, 159 

Mr. James Parker, was attended with much success. But 
the town had no regular minister till a number of years 
after its settlement. 

The people who made the settlement of Exeter, in 1638, 
were mostly from Boston. Having been regularly dis- 
missed from the church in that town, they immediately 
united in a church relation, on the principles of their mother 
church. As they judged their settlement to be without 
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, they formed themselves 
into a body politic, chose rulers and assistants, who were 
sworn to the proper execution of their respective offices, 
and a correspondent oath of obedience was taken by the 
people. In this political compact we have an instance of 
civil government in its simplest, perhaps in its purest form. 
The magistrates, who were few, were vested with legisla- 
tive, judicial, and executive authority. 

The settlements at Portsmouth and Dover, for several 
years, were governed, principally, by agents sent over by 
the proprietors in England. Having experienced many 
inconveniences from this mode of government, they, sepa- 
rately, forming a civil compact, after the example of their 
neighbors at Exeter, enacted and enforced their own laws. 
The combination at Dover was similar to the one at Exeter ; 
at Portsmouth they had a chief magistrate, annually elected, 
styled a governor. 

These settlements, for many years, lived peaceably with 
the natives, and, from their great advantages for fishery, 
experienced less of the evils of famine than the neighbor- 
ing colonies. Placed in distinct civil communities, they 
soon found themselves exposed to a variety of difficulties, 
and peculiarly defenceless in the event of trouble from an 
enemy. Their corporations were necessarily weak, and 
exposed to the intrusion of vagrants and outlaws, who 
would not submit to the steady government which was 
maintained in the colonies of Massachusetts and Plymouth. 
Had these political combinations been left to the manage- 
ment of their original framers, and their posterity, they 
might have exhibited an example of the finest republics 
on historic record. But the constant influx of emigrants, 



160 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

and of domagogiics, invited by their weakness, rendered 
this exi)Cctation hopeless. These considerations induced 
the settlement to desire a union with the colony of Massa- 
chusetts. 

The subject having been for some time in agitation, in 
the vear ItJll, the settlements on and near the Piscataqua 
submitted to tlic jurisdiction of Massachusetts, on condition 
of euioyiug equal privileges with the people of that colony, 
and liaving a court of justice maintained among them- 
selves. They were cordially accepted by that government, 
and thus, by a solemn compact, became a part of the col- 
ony of Massachusetts. From this time, the settlements 
advanced in a more rapid progress, and in greater security ; 
and their civil and ecclesiastical history becomes one with 
the colony of which they now constituted a respectable 
portion. This union continued till the year 1679, when, 
by the authority of the king of Great Britain, New Hamp- 
shire was separated from the government of Massachusetts, 
and became a royal province. 

One of the most prominent characters in the early his- 
tory of New England, Avas Roger Williams. He was a 
man of considerable ability and learning, active and dili- 
gent in his pursuits, humane and benevolent in his charac- 
ter, ever fond of novelty and change. Previous to his 
coming to America, jMr. Williams was a minister in the 
church of England. He came to New England in the 
year 1031, and resided two years at Plymouth. He there 
exercised his ministerial functions, occasionally, to good 
acceptance. 

During his residence at Plymouth, his conduct was inof- 
fensive, and his character naturally mild, so that ho ever 
after retained the esteem of the people of that colony. In 
lt>33, he removed to Salem, and, on the death of their 
excellent minister, Mr. Skelton, the church in that town 
invited IMr. Williams to become their pastor. Durhig his 
connection with the church at Salem. Mr. Williams incul- 
cated many opinions which were disapproved by the gov- 
ernment and chiirches of the colony, which it was thought 
would prejudice their interests in the view of the mother 



ROGEK WILLIAMS IN RHODE ISLAND. 1637. 161 

country, and destroy that system of civil and ecclesiastical 
polity on which the colony existed. 

After much faithful and friendly dealing, — Mr. Williams 
being unwilling to renounce or conceal the sentiments 
which he entertained, — in 1635, he was directed by the gov- 
ernment to depart from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. 
He removed, with a few followers, and sat down within the 
Plymouth jurisdiction, in the present town of Rehoboth. 
The year following, at the desire of Governor Winslow, 
lest the government of Massachusetts should take umbrage 
at his remaining within the Plymouth jurisdiction, he 
crossed the Pawtucket river, and, with about twenty set- 
tlers, laid the foundation of the present opulent and flour- 
ishing town of Providence. 

These dissensions were conducted in such a manner, that 
no personal alienation appears to have taken place between 
Mr. Williams and Governor Winthrop ; and a constant 
interchange of good offices existed between the Providence 
plantation and the Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies. 
In the war with the Pequods, in 1637, there was a cordial 
cooperation of all the plantations against the common 
enemy. Probably no individual of the age made greater 
and more successful exertions to maintain the peace of the 
colonies with the natives; and, living in the vicinity of 
several powerful tribes, he was vigilant in discovering their 
designs, and gave the other colonies timely notice of their 
hostile machinations. 

Mr. Williams, for some years, established no particular 
church order, inviting persons of all religious sentiments to 
unite with his rising plantation. After a few years, he 
and several of his people renounced the baptism of their 
infancy, were re-baptized, and united in a church, which 
was probably the first Baptist church in New England. 
On account of differences of sentiment which subsequently 
prevailed in the church, in the year 1653. it was divided, 
and became two churches. Mr. Williams purchased the 
lands of his plantation of the Indian proprietors, and no 
man enjoyed their confidence in a higher degree. He was 
the father of the colony, and, for some time, he appears to 
14* 



162 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

have possessed and exercised tlic principal powers of gov- 
ernment which existed. In some of the first years of the 
Providence plantation, the people suffered very sensibly 
from scarcity. The product of their forests and rivers 
saved thorn from perishing by famine. The most of the 
fathers of New England experienced the evils of war and 
famine, m a degree of which their posterity are unable to 
form any adequate conception. 

The tranquillity of Massachusetts was about this time 
disturbed by religious dissensions. In Boston and the 
neighborhood, the most profound questions which can relate 
to the mysteries of human existence, and the laws of the 
moral world, were discussed with passionate zeal. A sect 
arose, under the guidance of Anne Hutchinson, a woman of 
strong understanding, and gifted with imcommon acuteness 
and eloquence. Her adherents formed a strong party in 
the country. The intelligible part of their doctrine opposed 
the existing clergy and the formality of the established 
religion. Mr. AYheelwright, a clergyman and her brother, 
and Vane, the governor, espoused her party ; but the clergy, 
in a body, took sides against her. After Vane left the 
colony for iMigland, a synod of the ministers of New 
England was held at Boston, and Mrs. Hutchinson and 
^\ heelwriglit wore banished from Massachusetts for heresy. 

xVt the time of the banishment of INIrs. Hutchinson, sev- 
eral people who had favored her religious opinions, and, 
of course, ditfered in principle from the prevailing senti- 
ments of the churches, chose to remove from the colony. 
One of these was Mr. William Coddington, a gentleman of 
education and alHuonce, who had been for several years an 
assistant, and one ot' the most worthy magistrates of the 
Massachusetts government. In the year 1638, Mr. Cod- 
dington, with a few others, removed to Narraganset Bay, 
and connnenced the settlement of Rhode Island. These 
planters immediately united in a civil compact, to which 
Mr. Coddington and seventeen others subscribed their 
names. 

This infant plantation furnishes an instance of some- 
thing of the simplicity and natural existence of a patriar- 



MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. 1639. 163 

chal government. Mr. Coddington, a man of great virtue 
and natural dignity of character, possessing the confidence 
of all, was created their magistrate, to whom was delegated 
the necessary powers of civil government. By the friendly 
assistance of Mr. Williams, he purchased the island of the 
Indians ; and, in consequence of its pleasantness and fertil- 
ity, in a few years it became a flourishing settlement. In 
the year 1644, a Baptist church was formed in Newport, 
which was afterwards divided into two. 

These settlements being destitute of any chartered gov- 
ernment from the mother country, in 164.3 Mr. Williams 
went to England, and, by the assistance of Mr. Vane, who 
had been governor of Massachusetts, obtained a liberal 
charter of incorporation of Rhode Island and Providence 
plantations. The form of government provided by this 
incorporation was essentially similar to that established in 
the adjacent colonies. Mr. Williams lived to a great age, 
and was chosen several times governor of the colony. 

As early as the year 16U7, .some of the patentees of the 
northern colony of Virginia began a settlement at the 
mouth of the river Sagadahock, now Kennebec. They 
laid the plan of an extensive and opulent state. But in 
consequence of the death of the principal patrons, and the 
severities endured by the planters, the settlement broke up 
the following year, and those who were living returned to 
England. The first permanent settlements made within 
the District of Maine, commenced about the year 1630. 
The oldest towns are Kittery and York. The French had 
attempted settlements on the island of I\Iount Desert as 
early at 1613. 

In the year 163.5, Sir Ferdinando Gorges obtained from 
the council of Plymouth, a grant of the tract of land lying 
between the rivers Sagadahock and Piscataqua. It is sup- 
posed that he instituted civil government in the province. 
Courts were held as early as 1636, which appear to have 
exercised legislative and judicial powers. In 1639, Gor- 
ges obtained from the crown a charter, conveying the 
amplest powers of jurisdiction. He appointed a governor 
and council, who administered justice to the people, to their 



164 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

general satisfaction, for a number of years. After the 
death of the proprietor, these powers of government were 
generally supposed to have expired. The different settle- 
ments formed som^kind of voluntary compacts, and 
elected their own rulers. But the people, soon perceiving 
the inconveniences of this state of things, in the year 1652, 
united with the government of Massachusetts, and became 
an integral part of that colony. In the first settlements, 
churches were early established, who enjoyed the labors 
of some of the worthiest ministers of their time. In gen- 
eral, their early civil and religious institutions were very 
similar to those of Massachusetts. 

No part of New England has suffered so much from the 
hostility of the natives, as the district of Maine. Many 
ferocious tribes of savages were settled on the rivers with 
which the country abounds, and from the small progress 
made by the settlements for a long period, they were 
unable to subdue their power, or prevent their predatory 
incursions. From the proximity of that district to Canada, 
in all the wars between England and France for a century 
after its first settlement, they were exposed to the hostile 
incursions of the savages, stimulated by a most artful and 
unfeeling enemy. Many of their towns have been pillaged 
and burnt, and many of the people made captive and 
slain. So late as the year 1745, many of the towns suf- 
fered severely from savage hostility. 

In 1664, the English projected an expedition against the 
Dutch colony of New Netherlands, on the Hudson. Colonel 
Nichols arrived at Boston, with a fleet and troops under 
his command, July 23, 1664. He immediately communi- 
cated his commission to the colonies, and requested the 
troops to assist him against the Dutch. He then sailed 
for New Netherlands, and on the 20th of August, made a 
demand upon the town and forts upon the island of Man- 
hadoes. Governor Winthrop, with several gentlemen from 
Connecticut, joined him, according to his wishes. Stuy- 
vesant, the Dutch governor, was an old soldier, and had 
he been prepared, doubtless would have made a brave 
defence. He was extremely unwilling to surrender the 



ANDROS INVADES CONNECTICUT. 1675. 365 

fort and town, but the opposition party outnumbered him, 
and he was obhged to submit on the 27th of August. 

After the reduction of the Dutch, Colonel Nichols fixed 
his residence at New York, to manage the affairs of gov- 
ernment. About 1664, a settlement commenced on the 
east side of Connecticut river. In 1667, Lyme was made 
a distinct town. In this and the next year, several new 
settlements were made, and new towns incorporated. On 
the 20th of May, 1662, a purchase was made of the In- 
dians, and East Haddani settled by twenty-eight persons. 
In the session of May, 1670, it was enacted that Massacoe 
should be called Simsbury. At the same term. New 
Haven village was incorporated, and made a town, by the 
name of Wallingford. In 1643, war had been declared in 
England against the Dutch. The colony was put into a 
state of defence, and it was ordered that a troop of horse 
should be raised in each county. On the 30th of July, a 
small Dutch fleet arrived at New York. One John Man- 
ning, who commanded the fort and island, treacherously 
delivered them to the enemy, without firing a gun or 
attempting the least resistance. 

Scarcely had the colonies recovered from their calam- 
ities, before new and more terrible alarm and destruction 
presented themselves to all the colonies of New England. 
On the first of July, 1674, the Duke of York commissioned 
Sir Edmund Andros to be governor of New York and all 
New England. Sir Edmund was a tyrant over the peo- 
ple, but New England refused to submit to this man as 
a ruler. It was soon discovered that Andros was about to 
make a hostile invasion on the colony of Connecticut, and 
to demand its surrender. Detachments from the military 
were sent to New London and Saybrook. Captain Thomas 
Bull, of Hartford, commanded the party at Saybrook. 

About the 9th of July, 1675, the people of that town 
were surprised by the appearance of Andros, with an 
armed force, in the sound, making directly for the fort. 
The fort was soon manned, and militia called out for its 
defence. At this moment Captain Bull arrived, which gave 
them fresh courage. On the llth, Andros hoisted the 



166 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

king's flag on board, and demanded a surrender of the 
fortress and town ; Captain Bull raised his majesty's col- 
ors, and prepared for defence. The major did not like to 
fire on the king's colors, and thought it would be a bloody 
affair to reduce the town by force. Early in the mornmg 
of the 12th, Sir Edmund desired to be admitted on shore. 

Captain Bull met Andros at his landing, and requested 
a treaty. The major rejected the proposal, and com- 
manded, in his majesty's name, that the duke's patent 
and his commission should be read. Captain Bull, in his 
majesty's name, commanded him to forbear reading. 
When his clerk attempted to proceed, Captain Bull again 
repeated his command, with such energy, that it convinced 
the major it Avas not safe to proceed. The captain then 
acquainted him that he had an address from the assembly, 
and read his protest. Andros, pleased with his bold and 
soldierlike appearance, said "What is your name 7" He 
replied, "My name is Bull, sir." "Bull," said the gov- 
ernor, — "it is a pity your horns are not tipped with sil- 
ver." The captain was resolute, and Andros, finding the 
opposition too strong against him, returned to New York. 

It is a very singular fact, that, Avhile the English gov- 
ernment, and all the ecclesiastical authority, were using 
their most vigilant exertions to suppress evangelical reli- 
gion, and put an effectual stop to the progress of puritanism, 
and while the New England colonies were formed for the 
express purpose of the promotion of these objects, they 
were, suffered to proceed with very little molestation. 
The company that formed the settlement of Plymouth, 
having long experienced the severities of ecclesiastical 
tyranny, were fearful of forming a settlement in any of the 
dominions of the British king, without a promise that they 
should not be obstructed in the free exercise of their reli- 
gion. Frequent and earnest solicitations were made to 
the royal court for such a permission. But as such a con- 
cession would not comport with the maxims of a bigoted 
prince, and a persecuting prelate, it was never obtained. 
The adventurers, therefore, committed their case to the 
protection of God, and they were not disappointed. The 



LAWS OF THE COLONIES. — 1650. 167 

succeeding companies, though many important civil privi- 
leges were secured to them by patent, could obtain no more 
than indirect intimations that they might enjoy liberty of 
conscience in the services of religion. They hoped, indeed, 
that the God whom they served, would remember their 
wants, and that the distance of three thousand miles would 
mitigate the rage of persecution. The religious order 
which they established was directly opposed to the senti- 
ments of the government, and was such as they had long 
labored to suppress. But through the interference of vari- 
ous causes, in which the hand of God was peculiarly 
visible, they were left undisturbed, till their churches had 
become firmly established. Archbishop Laud resolved, at 
length, to interfere, and subject the colonies to the same 
ecclesiastical order as the mother country. But his death 
soon put an end to his design. 

The long period of the civil wars, and the common- 
wealth which then succeeded, enabled the ecclesiastical 
institutions of the colonies to acquire such a consistence as 
could not easily be dissolved. That remarkable interval 
in the English monarchy, of which there has been no 
equal in ten centuries, was the occasion of the establish- 
ment of the gospel order in the New England churches. 
How unsearchable and holy are the appointments of God ! 

In 1656, Quakers made their first appearance in the 
Massachusetts colony ; but the legislature passed laws for 
their banishment ; that any Quaker, returning from banish- 
ment to renew his practices against the colony, should be 
put to death. Under this law four persons were executed. 
Any master of any vessel that should bring any of this 
sect into the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, should be sub- 
ject to a fine of one hundred pounds. Notwithstanding 
this arbitrary law, it appears that this sect continued to 
increase, even down to the present time, and holds a very 
respectable station among other honorable societies. 

The laws of the colonies, in 1639, prohibited the custom 
of drinking healths. In 1651, the legislature passed laws, 
prohibiting all persons whose estate did not exceed two 
hundred pounds, from wearing any gold or silver lace, or 
any bone lace, that cost above two shillings per yard. 



168 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

The selectmen were authorized to take notice of the 
fashions, the apparel of the people, especially in wearing 
ribands and great boots. In 1647, it was ordered, that no 
person under the age of twenty years, should use any 
tobacco, unless he should bring a certificate from a 
physician that it was useful to him. 

Agriculture claimed the earliest attention of the colonists. 
Their industry and perseverance were thoroughly tasked 
in clearing the forests, cutting down the trees, and digging 
up the stumps, before tillage. The first neat cattle were 
brouglit into New England by Mr. Winslow, in 1G21. In 
1G33, the cattle in Virginia had increased to about one 
thousand head. They also raised a large quantity of 
wheat and rye, some peas, beans, llax, and hemp. 

The colonists imported all their merchandise from Eng- 
land, and exported thither pc^itry, tobacco, beef, pork, grain, 
and lisli. The importations froui England mucli exceeded 
the exports thither. The skins of deer, elk, butfalo, and 
the furs of otters, hare, fox, muskrat, and beaver, Avere 
purchased of Indians, for rum, blankets, &c., and exported 
to England. 

In 1620, one hundred persons came from England, to 
carry on tlie manufacture of silk, potash, tar, pitch, glass, 
and salt, but did not succeed. All cordage, sail cloth, and 
mats, came from England. I3rick and framed houses were 
soon built in large towns. The first mill was a wind-mill, 
built near Watertown. The first vessel was built in 
Massac] uisetts, which was called the HU^ssing of the Hay. 
In 1633, a ship of sixty tons was built at Med lord. In 
1641, one was built at Salem, of three hundred tons, and 
another of one hundred and sixty tons, at Boston. 

Printing was first introduced in 1639. The first thing 
printed was the Freeman's Oath ; the next an Almanac ; 
the third a collection of Psalms. 

Scarcely had the people opened the forest, and con- 
structed habitations, before they directed their attention 
towards the education of their children. Schools were 
free to all classes of people ; the poor had the same advan- 
tage in educating their children as the rich. Harvard 
college, at Cambridge, was founded in 1638. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Settlement of New England. — Philip'' s war — Attack of Swanzey — Ex- 
pedition of Captain Hutchinson against the Narraganscts — Action of 
Pocasset — Flight of Philip to the Nipmucks — Attack of Drookfield by 
the Indians — Attack of Iladley and Decrfield — Defeat of Captain 
Lathrop — Indian war in New Hampshire — Governor Winslow marches 
against Philip — Attack of Philip\s stronghold — Defeat of the savages — 
Flight, adventures and death of Philip — Sufferings and losses of the 
colonists — War with the eastern tribes — Interference of the English 
ministry in the government of Massachusetts — Adventures of the regi- 
cides, Goffe, Whal/ey and Dixivcll in New England — Condition of the 
Indians — John Eliot, the Indian apostle. 

The most powerful of the Indian chiefs of this period 
was Mctacom, or PhiHp, sachem of the Pokanokets, who 
was also tlic leader of the confederated tribes. Tlie Po- 
kanokets inhabited that part of Rhode Island, about Bristol 
and Rhode Island, and the residence of Philip was at 
Mount Hope. Repeated sales of land had narrowed the 
domains of the Indians, and they viewed with jealousy and 
alarm, the daily encroachments of the whites. Collisions 
and mutual distrust were the necessary consequences ; and 
in the year 1675, a bloody Indian war, since known as 
Philip's war, threatened the entire destruction of the 
colonies. The brother of Philip, being suspected of plotting 
against the whites, was seized by a detachment of soldiers. 
Philip ever sought to revenge the treatment of his brother. 
He succeeded in forming a confederacy able to send into 
action between three and four thousand warriors. 

The immediate cause of the war was the execution of 
three Indians by the English, whom Philip had excited to 
murder one Sausaman, an Indian missionary. Sausaman, 
being friendly to the English, had informed them that 
Philip, with several tribes, were plotting their destruction. 

15 



170 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENOI.AND. 

The execution of these Indians roused the anger of Philip, 
who immediately armed his men, and commenced hos- 
tilities. Their first attack was made, June 24th, 1675, 
upon the people of Swanzcy, in Plymouth colony, as they 
were returning home from public worship, on a day of 
humiliation and prayer, under the apprehension of the 
approaching war. Eight or nine persons were killed. 

The country was immediately alarmed, and the troops 
of the colony flew to the defence of Swanzey. On the 28th, 
a company of horse and one of foot, with one hundred and 
ten volunteers from Boston, joined the Plymouth forces at 
Swanzey. The next morning, an attack was made upon 
some of Philip's men, who were pursued, and five or six of 
them killed. This resolute conduct of the English made a 
deep impression on the enemy. Philip, with his forces, left 
Mount Hope the same night ; marking his route, however, 
with the burning of houses, and the scalping of the defence- 
less inhabitants. It being known that the Narragansets 
favored the cause of Philip, he having sent his women and 
children to them for protection, the Massachusetts forces, 
imder Captain Hutchinson, proceeded forthwith into their 
country, to renew a treaty with them, or to give them 
battle. Fortunately, a treaty was concluded, and the 
troops returned. 

On the 17th of July, news arrived that Philip, with his 
warriors, was in a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton. 
The Massachusetts and Plymouth forces immediately 
marched to that place, and the next day resolutely charged 
the enemy in their recesses. As the troops entered the 
swamps, tlic Indians continued to retire. The English in 
vain pursued, till the approach of night, when the com- 
mander ordered a retreat. Many of the English were 
killed, and the enemy seemed to take courage. It being 
impossible to encounter the Indians with advantage in the 
swamps, it was determined to starve them out ; but Philip 
apprehending tlieir design, contrived to escape with his 
forces. He then fled to the Nipmucks, a tribe in Worces- 
ter county, Massachusetts, whom he induced to assist him. 
This tribe had already commenced hostilities against the 



Philip's war. — lers. 171 

English ; but, in the hope of reclaiming them, the governor 
and council sent Captains Wheeler and Hutchinson to treat 
with them. But the Indians, having intimation of their 
coming, lurked in ambush for them, fired upon them as 
they approached, killed eight men, and mortally wounded 
eight more, of whom Captain Hutchinson was one. 

The remainder of the English fled to Quaboag, now 
Brookfield. The Indians, however, closely pursued them 
into the town, and burnt every house excepting one in 
which the inhabitants had taken refuge. This house at 
length they surrounded. For two days they continued to 
pour a storm of musket balls upon it, and although count- 
less numbers pierced through the walls, but one person was 
killed. With long poles, they next thrust against it brands 
and rags dipped in brimstone ; they shot arrows of fire ; 
they loaded a cart with flax and tow, and with long poles 
fastened together, they pushed it against the house. De- 
struction seemed inevitable. The house was kindling, and 
the savages stood ready to destroy the first that should open 
the door to escape. At this awful moment a torrent of rain 
descended, and suddenly extinguished the kindling flames. 
On the 4th of August, Major Willard came to their relief, 
raised the siege, and destroyed a considerable number of 
the assailants. 

During the month of September, Hadley, Deerfield, and 
Northfield, on Connecticut river, were attacked ; several 
of the inhabitants were killed, and many buildings con- 
sumed. On the 18th, Captain Lathrop, with several teams, 
and eighty young men, the flower of the county of Essex, 
were sent to Deerfield to transport a quantity of grain to 
Hadley. On their return, stopping to gather grapes at 
Muddy Brook, they were suddenly attacked by near eight 
hundred Indians. Resistance was in vain, and seventy of 
these yoimg men fell before the merciless enemy, and 
were buried in one grave. Captain Mosely, who was at 
Deerfield, hearing the report of the guns, hastened to the 
spot, and, with a few men, attacked the Indians, killed 
ninety-six, and wounded forty, losing himself but two 
men. Early in October, the Springfield Indians, who had 



172 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

hitherto been friendly to the Enghsh, concerted a plan 
with the hostile tribes, to burn that town. Having, under 
cover of night, received two or three hundred of Philip's 
men into their fort, with the assistance of these, they set 
fire to the town. The plot, however, was discovered so 
seasonably, that troops arrived from Westfield in time to 
save the town, excepting thirty-two houses already con- 
sumed. 

Soon after these hostilities were commenced by Philip, 
the Tarrenteens began their depredations in New Hamp- 
shire and the province of Maine. They robbed the boats, 
and plundered the houses of the English. In September 
they fell on Saco, Scarborough, and Kittery, killed between 
twenty and thirty of the inhabitants, and consigned their 
houses, barns, and mills, to the flames. Elated with these 
successes, they next advanced towards Piscataqua, commit- 
ting the same outrages at Oyster River, Salmon Falls, Do- 
ver, and Exeter. Before winter, sixty of the English in that 
quarter were killed, and nearly as many buildings consumed. 
The Indians in those parts, however, had real ground of 
complaint. Some seamen, hearing it reported that Indian 
children could swim by instinct, overset the canoe of 
Squando, sachem of the Saco Indians, in which were his 
squaw and infant child. This act Squando could not over- 
look, especially as, some time after, the child died, and, as 
the sachem believed, on account of some injury that it 
then received. Besides this, several Indians had been 
enticed on board a vessel, carried off, and sold into slavery. 
To redress these wrongs, the Indians commenced hostili- 
ties. 

Notwithstanding the Narragansets had pledged them- 
selves, by their treaty, not to engage in the war against the 
English, it was discovered that they were taking part with 
the enemy. It was deemed necessary, therefore, for the 
safety of the colonies, early to check that powerful tribe. 
Accordingly, Governor Winslow, of Plymouth, with about 
one thousand eight hundred troops from Massacliuselts 
and Connecticut, and one hundred and sixty friendly In- 
dians, commenced their march from Pettyquamscot, on 



Philip's war. — lers. 173 

the 19th of December, 1675, through a deep snow, towards 
the enemy, who were in a swamp about fifteen miles dis- 
tant. 

Upon a small island, in an inimense swamp, in South 
Kingston, Rhode Island, Philip had fortified himself, in a 
manner superior to v/hat was common among his coimtry- 
men. Here he intended to pass the winter, with the chief 
of his friends. They had erected about five hundred wig- 
wams, of a superior construction, in which was deposited a 
great store of provisions. Baskets and tubs of corn were 
piled one upon another, about the inside of them, which 
rendered them bullet proof It was supposed that about 
three thousand persons had here taken up their residence. 
After nearly a month from their setting out, the English 
army arrived in the Narraganset country, and made their 
head quarters about eighteen miles from Philip's fort. 
They had been so long upon their march, that the Indians 
were well enough apprized of their approach, and had 
made the best arrangements in their power to withstand 
them. The army had already sufiered much from the 
severity of the season, being obliged to encamp in the open 
field, and without tents to cover them. 

The 19th of December, 167.5, is a memorable day in the 
annals of Nev/ England. It was cold in the extreme, the 
air Avas filled with snow, and the English were obliged, 
from the low state of their provisions, to march to attack 
Philip in his fort. Treachery hastened his ruin. One of 
his men, by hope of reward, betrayed his country into their 
hands. This man had, probably, lived among the Eng- 
lish, as he had an English name. He was called Peter, 
and it was by accident that himself, with thirty-five others, 
had just before fallen into the hands of Captain Mosely. 
No Englishman was acquainted with the situation of 
Philip's fort; and but for their pilot, Peter, there is very 
little probability that they could have even found, much 
less effected anything against it. For it was one o'clock 
on that short day of the year, before they arrived within 
the vicinity of the swamp. There was but one point 
where it could be assailed with the least probability of suc- 
15* 



174 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

cess ; and this was fortified by a kind of block-house, di- 
rectly in front of the entrance, and had also flankers to 
cover a. cross fire. Besides high palisades, an immense 
hedge of fallen trees, of hearly a rod in thickness, surroun- 
ded it, encompassing an area of about five acres. Between 
the fort and the main land was a body of water, over 
which a great tree had been felled, on which all must pass 
and repass, to and from it. On coming to this place, the 
English soldiers, as many as could pass upon the tree, 
which would not admit two abreast, rushed forward upon 
it, but were swept off in a moment by the fire of Philip's 
men. Still, the English soldiers, led by their captains, 
supplied the places of the slain. But again and again 
were they swept from the fatal avenue. Six captains and 
a great many men had fallen, and a partial, but momen- 
tary, recoil from the face of death took place. 

Meanwhile, a handful, under Mosely, had got within the 
fort. These were contending hand to hand with the In- 
dians, and at fearful odds, when the cry of "They run! 
they run !" brought to their assistance a considerable body 
of their fellow-soldiers. They were now enabled to drive 
the Indians from their main breastwork, and their slaugh- 
ter became immense. Flying from wigwam to wigwam, 
men, women and children, indiscriminately, were hewn 
down and lay in heaps upon the snow. Being now mas- 
ters of the fort, General Winslow was about to quarter the 
army in it for the present, which offered comfortable habi- 
tations to the sick and wounded, besides a plentiful supply 
of provisions. But one of the captains and a surgeon op- 
posed the measure ; probably from the apprehension that 
the woods were full of Indians, who would continue their 
attacks upon them, and drive them out in their turn. 
After fighting three hours, the English were obliged to 
march eighteen miles, before the wounded could be dressed, 
and in a most cold and boisterous night. Eighty Eng- 
lish vvrere killed in the fight, and one hundred and fifty 
wounded, many of whom died afterwards. The English 
left the ground in considerable haste, leaving eight of their 
dead in the fort. 



PHILIP S WAR. 



-167a 



175 




Uj^N 



^-^'^^ 



Philip. 



Philip, and sucli of his warriors as escaped unhurt, fled 
into a place of safety, until the enemy had retired ; when 
they returned again to the fort. Tlie English, no doubt, 
apprehended a pursuit, but Philip, not knowing of their 
distressed situation, and, perhaps, judging of their loss 
from the few dead which they left behind, made no attempt 
to harass them in their retreat. Before the fight was over, 
many of the wigwams were set on fire. Into these, hun- 
dreds of innocent women and children liad crowded them- 
selves, and perished in the general conflagration ! — and, as 
a writer of that day expresses himself, "no man knoweth 
how many." The English learned afterwards, from some 
that fell into their hands, that in all about seven hundred 
perished. The sufferings of the I'inglish, after the fight, 
arc almost without a parallel in liistory. Tlie horrors of 
Moscow were anticipated here. The myriads of modern 
Europe, assembled there, bear but small proportion to the 
number of their countrymen, compared with that of the 
army of New England and theirs, at the fight of Nar- 
rasransct. 

Colonel Church, then only a volunteer, was, in reality, 
the leader in this fight. We will hear a few of his observa- 
tions. " By this time, the English people in the fort had 



176 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND, 

l>egun to set fire to the wigwams and houses, which Mr. 
Cliurch labored hard to prevent. They told him they had 
orders from the general to burn them. He begged them to 
forbear until he had discoursed the general." Then, has- 
tening to him, he urged, that " the wigwams were mus- 
ket-proof, being all lined with baskets and tubs of grain, 
and other provisions, sufficient to supply the whole army 
until the spring of the year; and every wounded man 
might have a good warm house to lodge in ; which, other- 
wise, would necessarily perish with the storms and cold. 
And, moreover, that the army had no other provision to 
trust unto or depend upon ; that he knew that Plymouth 
forces had not so much as one biscuit left." The general 
was for acceding to Church's proposition, but a captain 
and a doctor prevented it, as we have before observed ; the 
former threatening to shoot the general's horse under him, 
if he attempted to march in, and the latter said. Church 
should bleed to death like a dog, before he would dress his 
wounds, if he gave such advice. Church then proceeds : 
"And, burning up all the houses and provisions in the 
fort, the army returned the same night in the storm and 
cold. And, I suppose, every one that is acquainted with 
the circumstances of that night's march, deeply laments 
the miseries that attended them ; especially the wounded 
and dying men. But it mercifully came to pass that Cap- 
tain Andrew Belcher arrived at Mr. Smith's, in Narragan- 
set, that very night, from Boston, with a vessel loaded with 
provisions for the army, who must otherwise have perished 
for want." 

Soon after this, Philip, with many of his followers, left 
that part of the country, and resided in different places 
tipon Connecticut river. Some report that he took up his 
residence .near Albany, and that he solicited the Mohawks 
^o^Lid'hiin., against the English, but without success. 
Wlien success no longer attended him in the western parts 
of l^lassachusetts, thpse of his allies whom he had seduced 
iAto'th'p W£^E,''upli|:aid^^^ accused him of bringing all 

ftTj*^''^^H'! i^^^^lf|P'^,^^%'^(5 *^^^* ^'^^y had no cause of war 
^§ainsi tlie iingiiyh, anA had not engaged in it but for his 



PHILIP S WAR. 1676 177 

solicitations ; and many of the tribes scattered themselves 
in different directions. With all that would follow him, as 
a last retreat, Philip returned to Pokanoket. The Pecomp- 
tuck or Deerfield Indians were among the first who aban- 
doned his cause, and many of the other Nipmucks and 
Narragansets soon followed their example. 

On the 1 1th of July, 1676, he attempted to surprise Taun- 
ton, but was repulsed. His camp was now at Mattapoiset, 
The English came upon him here, under Captain Church, 
who captured many of his people, but he escaped over 
Taunton river, as he had done a year before, but in the 
opposite direction, and screened himself ouce more in the 
woods of Pocasset. He used many stratagems to cut off 
Captain Church, and seems to have watched and followed 
him from place to place, until the end of this month ; but 
he wa^ continually losing one company of his men after 
another. Some scouts ascertained tliat he, and many of 
his men, were at a certain place upon Taunton river, and, 
from appearances, were about to repas-s it. His camp was 
now at this place, and the chief of his warriors were with 
him. Some soldiers from Bridge water fell upon them here, 
on Sunday, July 30, and killed ten warriors : but Philip, 
having disguised himself, escaped. His uncle, Akkompoin, 
was among the slain, and his own sister taken prisoner. 

On the 1st of August, the intrepid Church came upon 
Philip's head quarters, killed and took about one hun- 
dred and thirty of his people, Philip himself very nar- 
rowly escaping. Such was his precipitation, that he left 
all his wampum behind, and his wile and son fell into 
the hands of Church. Philip, having now but few follow- 
ers left, was driven from place to place, and lastly to his 
ancient seat near Pokanoket. The English, for a long 
time, had endeavored to kill him, but could not find him 
off his guard ; for he was always the first who was apprized 
of their approach. Having put to death one of his men for 
advising him to make peace, his brother, fearing the same 
fate, deserted him. and gave Captain Church an account 
of his chiefs situation, and offered to lead him to his camp. 
Early on Saturday morning, August 12, Church came to 



178 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

the swamp where Philip was encamped, and, before he 
was discovered, had placed a guard about it, so as to 
encompass it, except a small place. He then ordered Cap- 
tain Golding to rush into the swamp, and fall upon Philip 
in his camp, which he immediately did, but was discov- 
ered as he approached, and, as usual, Philip was the first 
to fly. Having but just awaked from sleep, and having 
on but a part of his clothes, he fled with all his might. 
Coming directly upon an Englishman and an Indian, who 
composed a part of the ambush at the edge of the swamp, 
the Englishman's gun missed fire, but Alderman, the 
Indian, whose gun was loaded with two balls, " sent one 
through his heart, and another not above two inches from 
it. He fell upon his face in the mud and water, with his 
gun under him." 

"By this time," says Church, "the enemy perceived 
they were waylaid on the east side of the swamp, tacked 
short about," and were led out of their dangerous situation 
by the great captain Annawan. "The man that had shot 
down Phihp ran with all speed to Captain Church, and 
informed him of his exploit, who commanded him to be 
silent about it, and let no man more know it, until they 
had drove the swamp clean ; but when they had drove the 
swamp through, and found the enemy had escaped, or at 
least the most of them, and the sun now up, and the dew 
so gone that they could not easily track them, the whole 
company met together at the place where the enemy's 
night shelter was, and then Captain Church gave them 
the news of Philip's death, upon which the whole army 
gave three loud huzzas. Captain Church ordered his body 
to be pulled out of the mire on to the upland. So some of 
Captain Church's Indians took hold of him by his stock- 
ings, and some by his small breeches, being otherwise 
naked, and drew him through the mud unto the upland; 
and a doleful, great, naked, dirty beast he looked like." 
(Now follows one of the most barbarous passages in the life 
of the excellent Church. As the word excellent m^y surprise 
some of our readers, we will add, as far as it is possible 
for a warrior to be so.) Captain Church then said, ^'^F&ras- 



DKATH OF PHILIP. 1676. 179 

much as he has caused many an Englishmaii) s body to lie 
taiburied and rot above ground^ not one of his bones shall 
be buried!" With the great chief fell five of his most 
trusty followers, one of whom was his chief captain's son, 
and the very Indian who fired the first gun at the com- 
mencement of the war. " Philip having one very remark- 
able hand, being much scarred, occasioned by the splitting 
of a pistol in it formerly, Captain Church gave the head 
and that hand to Alderman, the Indian who shot him, to 
show to such gentlemen as would bestow gratuities upon 
him; and accordingly he got many a penny by it." 

His head was sent to Plymouth, where it was exposed 
upon a gibbet for twenty years ; and one of his hands to 
Boston, where it was exhibited in savage triumph, and his 
mangled body was denied the rite of sepulture. Church 
and his company returned to the island the same day, and 
arrived with the prisoners at Plymouth two days after, 
namely, Tuesday, August 15, "ranging through all the 
woods in their way." They now "received their pre- 
mium, which was thirty shillings per head" for all enemies 
killed or taken, " instead of all wages : and Philip's head 
went at the same price." This amonnted to only four and 
sixpence apiece^ "which was all the reward they had, 
except the honor of killing Philip." 

During this bloody contest, the pious fathers wrestled 
long and often with their God in prayer, that he would 
prosper their arms and deliver their enemies into their 
hands ; and when, upon stated days of prayer, the Indians 
gained advantage, it was looked upon as a rebuke of Prov- 
idence, and animated them to greater sincerity and fervor ; 
and, on the contrary, when their arms prevailed upon such 
days, it was viewed as an immediate interposition in their 
favor. The philosophic mind will be shocked at the ex- 
pressions of some, very eminent in that day for piety and 
excellence of moral life. Dr. Increase Mather, in speaking 
of the efficacy of prayer in bringing about the destruction 
of the Indians, says, "Nor could they [the Engish] cease 
crying to the Lord against Philip, until they had prayed 
the bullet into his heart." And in speakhig of the slaugh- 



180 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

ter of Philip's people, at Narraganset, he says, " We hare 
heard of two-and-twcnty Indian captains, slain all of them, 
and brought down to hell in one day." Again, in speak- 
ing of a chief who had sneered at the English religion, 
and who had, " withal, added a most hideous blasphemy, 
immediately upon which a bullet took him in the head, 
and dashed out his brains, sending his cursed soul in a 
moment amongst the devils and blasphemers in hell for- 
ever." These extracts are made with no other view than 
to show the habits of thinking in those times. 

During this war, twelve or fourteen towns were destroyed 
by the Indians. The expenditures and losses amounted to 
half a million of dollars, an enormous sum for the few 
inhabitants in the colonies at that day. More than six 
hundred men, chiefly young men, the flower of the coun- 
try, perished in the field. More than six hundred houses 
were burned. Of the able-bodied men in the colonies, one 
in twenty had fallen, and one family in twenty had been 
burnt out. The loss of lives and property was, in propor- 
tion to numbers, as distressing as in the revolutionary war, 
which broke out exactly one hundred years afterwards. 
There was scarcely a family from which death had not 
selected a victim. 

The eastern hostilities with the Indians had a diiferent 
origin, and were of longer continuance. The news of the 
rising of the Pokanokets was indeed the signal for the 
commencement of devastations : and within three weeks 
the war extended over a space of nearly three hundred 
miles. There was no general rising of the eastern tribes, 
nor gathermg of large bodies of Indians, but a harassing 
warfare in detail. Of the English settlements, nearly one 
half w-ere destroyed, and the inhabitants either killed, 
driven away, or carried into captivity. The surrender of 
Acadia to the French had made the stru^o-le more ardu- 
ous, for the Indians obtained supplies of arms from the 
French on the Penobscot. In 1677, the Mohawks were 
invited to engage in the war. A few of them took up the 
hatchet, but distance rendered cooperation impossible. 
After several fruitless attempts at treaties, in April, 1678, a 



THE REGICIDES. — 1661. 181 

peace was established with the eastern Indians, but on 
terms which acknowledged their supremacy. 

The defence of New England had been made by its own 
resources. Jealous of independence, the colonists never 
applied to the parent country for assistance ; and the Earl 
of Anglesey reproached the people with their public spirit. 
" You are poor," said he, " and yet proud." The English 
ministry, contributing nothing to repair the colonial losses, 
made no secret of the intention to re-assume the govern- 
ment of Massachusetts into their own hands. In 1676, 
while the Indian war-cry was yet ringing in the forests of 
Maine, Edward Randolph, an emissary from the privy 
council, a hungry adventurer, arrived in New England 
with a royal message requiring submission. The colony, 
reluctantly yielding to the direct commands of Charles II., 
sent agents to England to plead their cause. They grieved 
at the hardship of being required, at one and the same 
time, to maintain, before courts of law, a title to the pro- 
vinces, and to dispute with a savage foe the possession of 
a howling wilderness. Remonstrance was of no avail. In 
1677, a committee of the privy council, which examined 
all the charters, denied to Massachusetts the right of juris- 
diction over Maine and New Hampshire. 

New England became the asylum of three of the judges 
of king Charles I., — Whalley, Goffe, and Dixwell, who 
escaped to America shortly after the restoration of the 
Stuarts. They landed at Boston in 1660, where Governor 
Endicot received them with courtesy. For nearly a year 
they resided unmolested within the limits of Massachu- 
setts, holding meetings in every house, where they 
preached and prayed, and gained universal applause. 
When warrants arrived from England for their apprehen- 
sion, in 1661, they fled across the country to New Haven, 
where it was esteemed a crime against God to betray the 
wanderer or give up the outcast. Yet such diligent search 
was made for them that they were never in security. For 
a time they moved in secrecy from house to house ; some- 
times concealing themselves in a mill, sometimes in clefts 
of rocks by the seaside, and for months together they 

16 



182 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND, 



dwelt m a cave in the woods. Great rewards were offered 
for their apprehension. Indians as well as English were 
urged to scour the woods in quest of their hiding-place, 
as men hunt for the holes of foxes. When the zeal of the 
search was nearly over, they retired to a little village on 
Long Island Sound, till at last they escaped by night to an 
appointed place of refuge in Hadley, where Golfe and 
Whalley dwelt undisturbed till their death. Dixwell was 
fortunate enough, by changing his name, to live unmolested 
in New Haven, where he married and passed the re- 
mainder of his life. 



f;K>, 




£liot, the Indian apostle. 

As the English settlements increased, the number of the 
Indians proportionally diminished, and. about the latter 
part of the seventeenth century, the aborigines in all New 
England are supposed to have been considerably less than 
thirty thousand, while the whites wore double that num- 
ber. Of the Indians, about five thousand dwelt in the dis- 
trict of Maine, three thousand in New Hampshire, eight 
thousand in Massachusetts, and the remainder in Rhode 
Island and Connecticut, which territories had never been 
depopulated by sickness. Considei:able efforts were made 
by the early settlers to civilize the savages, and convert 
them to the Christian faith, but with little success. The 



ELIOT, THE INDIAN APOSTLE. 



-1600. 



183 



most celebrated of all the Indian missionaries, was John 
Eliot, named the Indian apostle. He was a native of 
England, and officiated as a minister at Boston and Rox- 
bury. He soon gave his attention to the object of propa- 
gating the gospel among the natives, and, having learnt 
their language, began to preach to them in 1046. Mr. 
Mayhew, of Martha's Vineyard, had engaged in this work 
two years before. Eliot continued diligent and persever- 
ing in his efforts for the instruction of these rude and 
ignorant people, and their faithful monitor and friend, till 
his death, in IGUl), at the age of eighty-six. He translated 
the whole Bible into the Indian language, and it was 
printed at Cambridge, in the year 1663. He was also the 
author of an Indian grammar. 




Apalachian Mountains. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Settlement of New England. — Revocation of the charter of Massa- 
chusetts — Alarm of the inhabitants — Andros appointed governor — 
His tyrannical proceedings in Massachusetts — He assumes the govern- 
ment of Rhode Island — He attempts to seize the charter of Connecticut 

— The charter oak — Oppressions of Andros^ government — He is made 
governor of New York — The Bostonians rise in insurrection and de- 
pose Andros — Enthusiasm of the people — Andros expelled the country 
— The charter governments restored — Fletcher, governor of New York, 
attempts to assume the inilitary command in Cotuiccticnt — Resistance 
of the people — Barbarities of the French arid Indian war — Savage mur- 
der of Major Waldron — Attack of Haverhill — Adventures of Mrs. Bus- 
tan — Second French and Indian war — Attack and plunder of Beerfield 

— Captivity and adventures of Mrs. Williams — Fxpcdition of the New 
England colonies against Nova Scutia and Canada — Disasters in the 
St. Lawrence — Peace of Utrecht. 

The charter of Massachusetts was taken away by James 
II., in 1685, to the great grief of the inhabitants; and this 
was heightened to indignation and alarm, M^lien they 
learnt that Colonel Kirke, an infamous tool and sycophant 
of the king, was destined for their governor. Kirke, how- 
ever, was not sent to America, but, in December, 1686, Sir 
Edmund Andros arrived at Boston, and assumed the gov- 
ernment of all New England. Andros was instructed to 
rule the country with the utmost rigor ; to tolerate no print- 
ing press ; to support episcopacy, and to sustain authority 
by force. He executed his instructions to the letter, and 
ruled with the most arbitrary sway. Popular representa- 
tion was abolished, the schools were suffered to go to 
decay, town meetings were prohibited, and Andros pub- 
licly declared, " There is no such thing as a town in the 
whole country." Taxes were imposed which the people 
refused to pay. Writs of habeas corpus were withheld ; 



THE CHARTER OF CONNECTICUT. 1C87. 185 

oppression threatened the country with ruin, and the op- 
pressors, quoting an opinion current among the commercial 
monopoUsts in England, answered without disguise, "It 
is not for his majesty's interest you should thrive." 

The next blow was struck against the liberties of Rhode 
Island, against whose charter a writ of quo xcorranto had 
been issued. Andros repaired to Rhode Island, dissolved 
the government, and broke its seal. He appointed a new 
council, and an irresponsible commission for the govern- 
ment of the colony. In the autumn of the same year, 
1687, attended by a number of his council and an armed 
guard, he proceeded to Connecticut, to assume the govern- 
ment of that province. The colonial assembly convened 
at Hartford, and the government continued, according to 
the charter, until the last of October. About this time, Sir 
Edmund, with his suite, and a body of sixty regular troops, 
arrived at Hartford, when the assembly were sitting, de- 
manded the charter, and declared the government under it 
to be dissolved. The assembly were extremely reluctant 
and slow with respect to any resolve to surrender the 
charter, or with respect to any motion to bring it forth. 
The tradition is, that Governor Treat strongly represented 
the great expense and hardships of the colonists, in plant- 
ing the country ; the blood and treasure which they had 
expended in defending it. bolii against the savages and 
foreigners ; to what hardships and dangers he himself had 
been exposed for that purpose ; and that it was like giving 
up his life, now, to surrender the patent and privileges, so 
dearly bought, and so long enjoyed. 

The important affair was debated and kept in suspense 
until the evening, when tlie charter was brought and laid 
upon the table, where the assembly was sitting. By this 
time, great numbers of people were assembled, and men 
sufficiently bold to undertake whatever might be necessary 
or expedient. The lights were instantly extinguished, and 
one Captain Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most silent 
and secret manner, carried off the charter, and secreted it 
in a large hollow tree, ever after famous as the " Charter 
Oak," fronting the house of the Hon. Samuel Wyllys, then 

16^ 



186 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 



one of the magistrates of the colony. The people appeared 
all peaceable and orderly. The candles were officiously 




Captain Wadswortk securing the charter of Connecticut. 

relighted; but the charter was gone, and no discovery 
could be made of it, or of the person who had conveyed it 
away. Sir Edmund assumed the government, and the 
records of the colony were closed in the following words : 

"At a general court at Hartford, October 31st, 1687, his 
excellency. Sir Edmund Andros, knight, and captain-gen- 
eral and governor of his majesty's territories and dominions 
m New England, by order from his majesty, James the 
Second, king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, 
the 31st of October, 1687, took into his hands the govern- 
ment of the colony of Connecticut, it being, by his majesty, 
annexed to Massachusetts, and other colonies under his 
excellency's government." 

Andros appointed officers, civil and military, through 
the colony, according to his pleasure. He had a council, 
at first, consisting of about forty persons, and afterwards 
of nearly fifty. Four of this number, Governor Treat, John 
Fitz Winthrop, Wait Winthrop, and John Allen, Esquires, 
were of Connecticut. 

He began his government with the most flattering pro- 
fessions of his regard to the public safety and happiness. 



TYRANNY OF ANDROS. — 1688. 187 

He instructed the judges to administer justice, as far as 
might be consistent with the new regulations, according to 
the former laws and customs. It is, however, well observed 
by Governor Hutchinson, that " Nero concealed his tyran- 
nical disposition more years than Sir Edmund and his 
creatures did months." He not only laid a restraint upon 
the liberty of the press, but one far more grievous upon 
marriage, which was prohibited, unless bonds were previ- 
ously given, with sureties, to the governor. These were 
to be forfeited in case it should afterwards appear that 
there was any lawful impediment to the marriage. Magis- 
trates only were allowed to join people in the bands of 
wedlock. The governor deprived the clergy of the perqui- 
site from marriages, suspended the laws for their support, 
and would not suffer any person to be obliged to pay any- 
thing to his minister. Nay, be menaced the people, that, 
if they resisted his will, their meeting-houses should be 
taken from them, and that any person who should give two 
pence to a non-conformist minister should be punished. 
The fees of all officers, under this new administration, 
were exorbitant. The common fee for the probate of a 
Avill was fifty shillings. The widow and fatherless, how 
distant soever, were obliged to appear at Boston, to trans- 
act all business relative to the settlement of estates. This 
was a grievous oppression of the poor people, especially of 
the fatherless and widow. 

Sir Edmund, without an assembly, and without a 
majority of his council, taxed the people at pleasure. He 
and Randolph, with four or five others of his creatures, 
Avho Avere sufficiently corrupt to join him in all his 
oppressive designs, managed the affairs of government as 
they pleased. But these were the beginnings of oppression 
and sorrow. They were soon greatly increased, and more 
extensively spread. 

In 1688, Andros was made governor of New York, 
as Avell as of New England, and the same kind of govern- 
ment was exercised in that department. As the charters 
were now either vacated, surrendered, or the government 
imder them suspended, it was declared that the titles of 



18S SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

the colonists to their lands were of no value. Sir Edmund 
declared that Indian deeds were no better than "the 
scratch of a bear's paw." Not the fairest purchases and 
most ample conveyances from the natives ; no dangers, dis- 
bursements, nor labors, in cultivating a wilderness, and 
turning it into orchards, gardens, and pleasant fields ; no 
grants by charter, nor by legislatures constituted by them ; 
no declarations of preceding kings, nor of his then present 
majesty, promising them the quiet enjoyment of their houses 
and lands, nor fifty or sixty years' undisturbed possession, 
were pleas of any validity or consideration with Sir 
Edmund and his minions. 

The purchasers and cultivators, after fifty and sixty 
years' improvement, were obliged to take out patents for 
their estates. For these, in some instances, a fee of fifty 
pounds Avas demanded. Writs of intrusion were issued 
against persons of principal character, who would not sub- 
mil to such impositions, and their lands were patented to 
others. Governor Hutchinson observes, with respect to 
Massachusetts, that "men's titles were not all questioned 
at once. Had this been the case, according to the compu- 
tation then made, all the personal estate in the colony 
would not have paid the charge of the new patents.'' 

The governor, and a small number of his council, in the 
most arbitrary manner, fined and imprisoned numbers of 
the inhabitants of Massachusetts, and denied them the 
benefit of the act of habeas corpus. All town meetings 
were prohibited, except one in the month of May, for the 
election of town ofiicers, to prevent the people from con- 
sulting on measures tor the redress of their grievances. No 
person, indeed, wassutiered to go out of the country, with- 
out leave from the governor, lest complaints should be car- 
ried to England against his administration. At the same 
time, he so well knew the temper and views of his royal 
master that he feared little from him, even though complaints 
should be carried over against him. Hence he and liis 
dependants oppressed the people and enriched themselves 
without restraint. The most humble petitions were pre- 
sented to his majesty, from corporations of various descrip- 



TYRANNY OF ANDROS. 1638. 189 

tions, beseeching him that the governor's council might 
consist of none but men of considerable property in lands ; 
that no act might be passed to bind the people, but by a 
majority of the council ; and that he would quiet his good 
subjects in the enjoyment of all property in houses and 
lands.=* But in the reign of James the Second, petitions so 
reasonable and just could not be heard. 

The prince at home, and his officers abroad, like greedy 
harpies, preyed upon the people without control. Randolph 
was not ashamed to make his boast in his letters, with 
respect to Governor Andros and his council, "that they 
Avere as arbitrary as the Great Turk." All New England 
groaned under their oppression. The heaviest share of it, 
however, fell upon the inhabitants of Massachusetts and 
New Plymouth. Connecticut had been less obnoxious to 
government than Massachusetts, and, as it was further 
removed from the seat of government, was less under the 
notice and influence of those oppressors. 

Governor Treat was a father to the people of Connecti- 
cut, and felt for them, in their distressed circumstances. 
The other gentlemen who were of the council, and had the 
principal management of aflairs in Connecticut, were men 
of prhiciple, lovers of justice, and of their fellow-subjects. 
They took advantage of Sir Edmund's first instructions, 
and, as far as they possibly could, consistently with the 
new regulations, governed the colony according to the 
former laws and customs. The people were patient and 
peaceable, though in great fear and despondency. They 
were no strangers to Avhat was transacted in the neighbor- 
ing colonies, and expected soon fully to share with them 
in all their miseries. 

It was generally believed that Andros was a Papist; 
that he had employed the Indians to ravage the frontiers, 
and had supplied them with ammunition ; and that he was 
making preparations to deliver the country into the hands 

* Sir Edmund, with all his vigilance, could not prevent the carrying over 
of complaints against him. Mr. Increase Mather got on board a ship, and 
sailed to England, for this very purpose, and delivered the complaints, which 
he carried over, into his majesty's hands. 



190 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

of the French. All the motives to great actions, to indus- 
try, economy, enterprise, wealth, and population, were hi a 
manner annihilated. A general inactivity and languish- 
ment pervaded the whole public body. Liberty, property, 
and everything which ought to be dear to men, every day 
grew more and more insecure. The colonies were in a 
state of general despondency, with respect to the restoration 
of their privileges ; and the truth of that divine maxim, 
"when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn," was, 
m a striking manner, everywhere exemplified. 

It was impossible for the free spirit of New England to 
submit quietly to this tyranny. Murmurs were loud and 
increasing, and nothing but a slight opportunity was want- 
ing to bring out the smothered flames of discontent into the 
blaze of open rebellion. This soon occurred. On the 4lh 
day of April, 1G89, the news arrived at Boston of the inva- 
sion of England by the Prince of Orange, and the danger 
of dethronement which threatened James 11. Andros 
caused the messenger to be instantly thrown into prison. 
But the news could not be suppressed. In a few days 
every one was in possession of it, and there was a stir and 
excitement throughout the town, which increased every 
moment. The insurrection burst out on the 18th. On the 
morning of this day, as the captain of the Rose frigate 
landed on the wharf, the Boston ship carpenters sur- 
rounded him and made him prisoner. The whole town 
was up. The royal sheriff hastened to quiet the multi- 
tude, and the multitude took him prisoner. Andros, in fear 
for his life, took refuge in the citadel on Fort Hill. The 
Bostonians rallied at the town-house, and reinstated the 
charter government and the old magistrates. Simon Brad- 
street was governor. Boston was now in arms, the govern- 
ment of the tyrant Andros was overthrown, and a declara- 
tion was read from the balcony of the town-house, defend- 
ing the insurrection as a duty to God and the country. On 
the Charlestown side of the river, a thousand armed men 
had collected. 

Andros, in terror and despair, saw his arbitrary rule 
overthrown in an instant. The whole country was in 



DEPOSITION OF ANDROS. lf.a9. 



191 



arms against him. Troops of men came swarming to 
Boston from the country towns, filling the air with execra- 
tions against Andros and Randolph. Andros in vain 
attempted to escape on board the frigate. The Bostonians 
took the citad-el, and marched him olf to prison, through the 
identical streets where he had first displayed his gandy, 
scarlet, gold-laced coat and arbitrary commission. Andros 
was sent to England and heard of no more, and Massachu- 
setts again, in May, 1689, assembled in general court. 




Dejiositioii of Sir Edmund Andros. 

In 1690, war was declared between France and England. 
Count Frontenac was appointed governor in Canada, in 
January, he despatched several parties against the English 
settlements. One of them, was sent against Albany, but 
resolved to attack Schenectady. The inhabitants of this 
village got information of their danger, but they judged it 
impossible for the enemy to march several hundred miles 
in the depth of winter, and disregarded tlie intelligence. 
No regular watch was kept, nor military order observed. 

The French and Indians arrived near the town on the 
8th of February. On Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, 
they entered the gates, which they found open : universal 
silence reigned. In a few moments, all the houses were in 
flames. Women were butchered, and children thrown 
alive into the flames ; sixty persons perished in the flames ; 



192 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

Iwenty-five persons made prisoners ; while the rest of the 
inhabitants fled naked. A furious storm came on. Albany, 
their only refuge, was at a distance. A part arrived in 
safety ; twenty-five lost their limbs by the severity of the 
cold. No tongue can express the cruelties which were 
committed. The second party directed their course to New 
Hampshire, burned the village at Salmon Falls, killed 
twenty-six of the bravest men, and took fifty prisoners. 
The third party destroyed Casco, in Maine, and killed and 
captured ninety-five people. To avenge these barbarities, 
and others perpetrated in New England, a combined expe- 
dition against Canada was proposed. An army was raised 
in New York and Connecticut, which proceeded as far as 
the head of Lake Champlain, but not finding boats to cross 
the lake, were obliged to return. Sir William Phipps, with 
a fleet of about thirty vessels, sailed from Boston into the 
St. Lawrence, and landing a body of troops, made an attack 
by land and water upon Quebec ; but was unsuccessful. 

In 1692, Colonel Fletcher succeeded Governor Sloughter, 
at New York, and was authorized by his commission to 
take command of the militia of Connecticut. This power 
having been given by the charter to the governor of the 
colony of New England, he determined not to relinquish 
it, and was supported by the people. On the 26th of 
October, Colonel Fletcher came to Hartford, while the 
assembly was sitting, and, in his majesty's name, demanded 
the submission of the militia to his command, as they 
would answer it to his majesty ; and that they would give 
him a speedy answer in one word. Yes or No. He sub- 
scribed himself his majesty's lieutenant, and commander- 
in-chief of the militia, and of all the forces by sea or land, 
and of all the forts and places of strength in the colony of 
Connecticut. He ordered the militia of Hartford under 
arms, that he might beat up for volunteers. It was judged 
expedient to call the trainbands in Hartford together ; but 
the assembly insisted, that the command of the militia was 
expressly vested, by charter, in the governor and company; 
and that they could, by no means, consistently with their 
just rights and the common safety, resign it into any other 



FLETCHER AT HARTFORD, — 1694. 193 

hands. They insinuated that his demands were an inva- 
sion of their essential privileges, and subversive of their 
constitution. 

Upon this, Colonel Bayard, by his excellency's com- 
mand, sent a letter into the assembly, declaring, that his 
excellency had no design upon the civil rights of the 
colony ; but would leave them, in all respects, as he found 
them. In the name of his excellency, he tendered a com- 
mission to Governor Treat, empowering him to command 
the miUtia of the colony. He declared that his excellency 
insisted, that they should acknowledge it an essential right, 
inherent in his majesty, to command the militia ; and that 
he was determined not to set his foot out of the colony, 
until he had seen his majesty's commission obeyed. That 
he would issue his proclamation, showing the means he 
had taken to give ease and satisfaction to his majesty's 
subjects of Connecticut, and that he would distinguish the 
disloyal from the rest. 

The assembly, nevertheless, would not give up the 
command of the militia, nor would Governor Treat receive 
a commission from Colonel Fletcher. The trainbands of 
Hartford assembled, and, as the tradition is, while Captain 
Wadsworth, the senior officer, was walking in front of the 
companies, and exercising the soldiers. Colonel Fletcher 
ordered his commission and instructions to be read. Cap- 
tain Wadsworth instantly commanded, "Beat the drums;" 
and there was such a roaring of them that nothing else 
could be heard. Colonel Fletcher commanded silence. 
But no sooner had Bayard made an attempt to read again, 
than Wadsworth commands, "Drum, drum, I say." The 
drummers understood their business, and instantly beat up 
with all the art and life of which they were masters. 
" Silence, silence ! " says the colonel. No sooner was there 
a pause, than Wadsworth speaks with great earnestness, 
"Drum, drum, I say!" and, turning to his excellency, 
said, "If I am interrupted again, I will make the sun 
shine through you in a moment." He spoke with such 
energy in his voice, and meaning in his countenance, that 
no further attempts were made to read or enlist men. 

17 



194 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 



Such numbers of people collected together, and their spirits 
appeared so high, that the governor and his suite judged it 
expedient soon to leave the town, and return to New 
York. 

No pen can describe the cruelties which were practised 
during the French and Indian war. Women, soon ex- 
pecting to become mothers, were ripped up, and their 
unborn ofispring dashed against a stone or tree. Infants, 
when troublesome, were despatched in the same manner. 
Some of the captives were roasted alive ; others received 
deep wounds in the flesh, and sticks on fire thrust into 
them, and were thus tormented to death. — 1694. Upon 
the solicitations of Governor Fletcher and Sir William 
Phipps, agents, with a number of troops, were sent to 
attend a treaty with the Five Nations. The expense of it 
was about four hundred pounds. 




Lidian ivars. 



The surprise of Dover, in New Hampshire, was attended 
by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity. That 
the natives had been cruelly injured by Major Waldron, 
the principal citizen, may account for it, if not extenuate 
their ferocity in obtaining revenge. Having determined 



INDIAN WAR. 1697. 195 

upon their plan of attack, they employed more than their 
usual art to lull the suspicions of the inhabitants. So civil 
and respectful was their behavior, that they often obtained 
permission to sleep in the fortified houses in the town. 

On the fatal evening they assembled in the neighborhood, 
and sent their women to apply for lodgings at the houses 
devoted to destruction ; they were not only admitted, but 
were shown how they could open the doors, should they 
have occasion to go out in the night. When all was quiet, 
the doors were opened, and a signal given. The Indians 
rushed into Mr. Waldron's house, and hastened to his 
apartment. Awakened by the noise, he seized his sword, 
and drove them back ; but when returning for his other 
arms, he was stunned with a hatchet, and fell. They 
then dragged him into the hall, seated him in an elbow 
chair upon a large table, and insultingly asking him, "Who 
shall judge Indians now'?" each one, with his knife, cut 
gashes across his breast, saying, "I cross out my account." 
When, weakened with the loss of blood, he was about to 
fall from the table, his own sword was held under him, 
which put an end to his misery. 

At other houses, similar acts of cruelty were perpetrated. 
In the whole town twenty-three persons were killed ; 
twenty-nine were carried prisoners to Canada, and sold to 
the French. The details of individual sufferings that 
occurred during this war, were they faithfully recorded, 
would excite the sympathies of the most unfeeling bosom. 
One instance only will serve to confirm the remark. In an 
attack, by a body of Indians, upon Haverhill, in Massachu- 
setts, in the winter of 1697, the concluding year of the 
war, a party of the assailants, burning with savage 
animosity, approached the house of a Mr. Dustan. Upon 
the first alarm, he flew from a neighboring field to his 
family, with the hope of hurrying them to a place of 
safety. Seven of his children he directed to flee, while he 
himself went to assist his wife, who was confined in her 
bed with an infant a week old ; but before she could leave 
the bed the savages arrived. In despair of rendering her 
assistance, Mr. Dustan flew to the door, mounted his horse, 



196 SETTLEMENT OP NEW ENGLAND. 

and determined in liis own mind to snatch up the child 
which he loved best. He followed in pursuit of his little 
flock, but, on coming up with them, he found it impossible 
to make a selection. He determined, therefore, to meet his 
fate with them ; to defend and save them from the knife 
of the pursuing savages, or die by their side. 

A body of the Indians soon came up with them, and, 
from short distances, commenced a fire upon him and his 
little company. For more than a mile he continued to 
retreat, placing himself between the fire of the Indians 
and his children, and returned their shots with great spirit 
and success. At length he saw them all safely lodged 
from their bloody pursuers, in a distant house. It is not 
easy to find a nobler instance of fortitude and courage, 
inspired by affection, than is exhibited in this heroic act. 
Let us ever cultivate the influence of those ties of kindred, 
which are capable of giving so generous and elevated a 
direction to our actions. As Mr. Dustan quitted his house, 
a party of Indians entered it. Mrs. Dustan was in bed, 
but they ordered her to rise instantly, and, before she could 
finish dressing, obliged her and the nurse, who had in 
vain attempted to escape with the infant, to quit the house, 
which they plundered and burnt. In these distressing 
circumstances, Mrs. Dustan began her march, with other 
captives, in the wilderness. The air Avas keen, and their 
path led through snow and deep mud, and their savage 
conductors delighted rather in their affliction, than in alle- 
viating their distress. 

The company had proceeded but a short distance, when 
an Indian, thinking the infant an incumbrance, took it 
from the arms of the nurse, and violently terminated its 
life. Such of the other captives as became weary and 
incapable of proceeding, the Indians killed with their tom- 
ahawks. Feeble as Mrs. Dustan was, both she and her 
nurse sustained, Avith wonderful energy, the fatigues and 
misery attending a journey of one hundred and fifty miles. 
On their arriving at the place of their destination, they 
found the wigwam of the savage who claimed them, to be 
inhabited by twelve Indians. In the ensuing April, this 



mm ittATE- — 1S9S. 19T 

ftmily s^ out, with their captires. fear an Indian s^tkmait, 
still more remola. The captives -vrere infiumed that, on 
their arrival at the setdement, they must snlwait to he 
5tii|^ped. scourged- and mn the gauntlet between two files 
of Indians. This in&nnatioii earned distress to the miiids 
of the captive wmooiy and led them ptomptly to devise 
scaue means of escape. 

Early in the mormng of the 31st of April. Mrs. Ehistan 
awaidng her nuise. and another lellotr-priscMier. they de- 
spatched toi of the t\relve Indians, while they were asie^ ; 
ixie other two escap^L The womoi thea CGmmooced their 
diiiicuit and dangerous journey through the wilderness, 
and at length arrived sale at Haverhill. Subsequently 
ihey visited Boston, and received m>m the general court a 
hai^some consideratioai for their extraordinary sufferings 
and h^oic conduct. 

In 1697. a peace between France and Engiand put an 
end to these horrid barbarities. In 169S. the Earl of Bella- 
m«mt was ap^inted governor. He was paiticulailT in- 
structed to clear the Amaican seas of the pirates who 
infested them, and ^rho. it was suspected, had even re- 
caved asconragement £nMn Governor Fletcher- The gov- 
ernment decHnin? to fumi^ the i^eessary naval iorce^ the 
earL with others, engaged iu a private imdertaking against 
them. The association procured a vessel oi war. gave 
the command of it to a Captain Kidd. and sent him to 
cruise against the pirates- He had been but a short time 
at sea. when, disregarding his instructions, he made a new 
contract with his crew. and. on the Atlantic and Indian 
Ocean, became himself a daring, atrocious, and suocessfiil 
{arate. Three years afterwards, he returned, burned his 
vessel, and aj^peared publicly in Boston. He was appre- 
hmded and sent to England, where he was tried and exe 
cuted. When Governor BeUamont had settled the affairs 
of that government, he returned to New York, where he 
died in 1701. greatly lamented. 

Scarcely had the ctrfooies recovered Lrom the war which 
ended in 1697. before they were again mvolved in the hoar- 
rors ol another war with the Fienoh. Indians and %nn- 
17* 



198 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

iards, which continued from 1702 to March 31, 1713. In 
February, 1704, Deerfield, in Massachusetts, was surprised 
in the night. About forty persons were killed, and one 
hundred and fifty made prisoners, among whom were Mr. 
Williams the minister, and his family. They came to the 
house of Mr. Williams, forced open the doors, and entered 
the room where Mr. Williams was sleeping. Awakened 
by the noise, he seized his pistol, and snapped it at the 
first Indian, but it missed fire. The house was then plun- 
dered, and two of his children and the black female ser- 
vant Avere butchered before his eyes. The savages at 
length suffered his wife and himself, with five children, to 
put on their clothes, and prepare for a long journey. 
Every house but the one next to Mr. Williams' was con- 
sumed. 

One house still remains, as a painful memento to poster- 
ity. The front door was hacked and hewn with hatchets, 
until the savages had cut a hole through it ; through this 
hole they fired into the house. This door, which still bears 
its ancient wounds, and the hole, (closed only by a board, 
tacked on within,) remains now as the savages left it, and 
is a most interesting monument. Through the windows 
they also fired, and one bullet killed the female head of the 
family, sitting up in bed, and the mark of that bullet, as 
well as of four others, is visible in the room ; in one of the 
holes in a joist, another bullet remains to this day. This 
family were all killed or carried into captivity. The 
second day, Mrs. Williams began to fail, and could go no 
farther. Her husband requested permission to remain 
with her ; but they plunged a hatchet into her head, and 
compelled him to proceed. Before the termination of their 
journey, twenty more shared the same fate. Those who 
reached Canada, were treated with humanity by the 
French. At the end of two years, Mr. Williams, and fifty- 
seven others, were redeemed, and he returned to Deerfield, 
where he continued his labors in the ministry tVelve 
years, and died. His eldest daughter was married to an 
Indian in Canada, where she lived many years. She 
came into New England once or twice, with her sannup 



EXPEDITION AGAINST QUEBEC. 1711. 199 

and children, to visit her friends, and at lier death left a 
numerous family. 

In 1707, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hamp- 
shire, despatched an armament against Port Royal, in 
Nova Scotia, which was in possession of the French. The 
expedition consisted of one thousand men, but returned 
without accomplishing its object. General Nicholson vis- 
ited England, and proposed an expedition against Canada. 
In June, 1711, Admiral Walker, with a fleet of fifteen ships 
of war and forty transports, arrived at Boston, and taking 
on board two additional regiments, he sailed from Boston 
the last of July. At the same time, General Nicholson 
proceeded from Albany, at the head of four thousand men 
from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, against 
Canada. 

The fleet had advanced about ten leagues up the river 
St. Lawrence, when the river became foggy. Different 
opinions arose concerning what course to take ; the English 
pilots recommended one course, the Americans another. 
The admiral, like all other English officers, adopted the 
advice of his own pilots; and, about midnight, nine trans- 
ports were driven upon the rocks, and dashed to pieces. 
About one thousand men sunk to rise no more. Not a 
single American was lost. The admiral returned to Eng- 
land, and, on the 15th of October, his ship blew up, and 
four hundred seamen perished. The New England troops 
returned home, and when Nicholson, who had advanced 
as far as Lake George, learned the fate of the fleet, he led 
back his troops to Albany. The next year, 1713, France 
and England made peace at Utrecht ; this relieved the 
northern part of the country, and in the same year peace 
was concluded with the Indians. Such was the destruc- 
tion of lives in this war, that the population of New Eng- 
land was sensibly decreasing. The expenses were great, 
which obliged them to issue bills of credit, or paper 
money, which perplexed the government in all their trans- 
actions. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Settlement of New England. — Witchcraft — Delusion on this subject 
in Europe — The Salem Witchcraft — Witches at Boston — First execu- 
tio7i for this offence — Origin of the troubles at Salem — Cause of the 
rapid increase of the imposture — Credulity/ of the public — Depravity of 
some of the persons cojicerned — Consternation of the people — Practice 
of confession and its effects — Absurdities published by the beivitched per- 
sons — Cotton Mather a champion of the doctrine of icitchcraft — Trial 
and execution of the iviiches — Pj-ogress of the delusion — Robert Calef 
writes against the imposture — Change in the popular ynind — Arrival 
of the iieiu charter — Re-organization of the courts — Decline and end 
of the delusion — Conduct of the chief instruments in these singular 
affairs. 

The annals of Massachusetts, at this period, exhibit one 
of those cases of popuhxr dehision, which, infecting every 
class of society, and gaining strength from its very extrav- 
agance, — triiniipliingover human reason, and tramphng on 
human hfe, — reveal to man his own imbecility. We refer 
to that most extraordinary and deplorable affair denomi- 
nated the Salem Witchcraft. 

In Europe, as well as in America, the opinion had long 
prevailed, that, by the aid of malignant spirits, certain per- 
sons possessed supernatural powers, which were usually 
exercised in the mischievous employment of tormenting 
others ; and the criminal codes of most, if not all. Christian 
countries were disgraced with laws for the punishment of 
witchcraft. In all parts of Europe, people had been burnt 
and hanged for this imaginary crime, even down to a very 
late period. Some few instances, with considerable intervals 
between them, had occurred, of putting these laws in force 
in New England ; but, in 1692, this delusion increased to 
such a degree that it became a species of frenzy, and after 
exercising its destructive rage on those miserable objects 



WITCHCRAFT AT BOSTON. 1693. 201 

whose wayward dispositions had excited the ill opinion of 
their neighbors, its baneful activity was extended to per- 
sons in every situation in life, and many of the most repu- 
table members of society became its victims. 

The first scene of this distressing tragedy was laid in 
Salem village, now Danvers. The public mind had been 
prepared for its exhibition by some publications, stating the 
evidence adduced in former trials for witchcraft, both in 
Old and New England, in which full proof was supposed 
to have been given of the guilt of the accused. Soon after 
this, some young girls in Boston had accustomed them- 
selves to fall into fits, and had affected to be struck dead 
at the sight of certain popular books, such as the " Assem- 
bly's Catechism," and "Cotton's Milk for Babes," while 
they could read Oxford jests, or popish and Quaker books, 
with many others which were deemed profane, without 
any disagreeable consequences. These silly pretences, 
instead of exposing the fraud to instant detection, seem to 
have promoted the cheat ; and the girls were supposed to 
be possessed by demons, who were utterly confounded by 
the presence of those holy books. Sometimes they were 
deaf, then dumb, then blind, and sometimes all three 
together. Their tongues would be drawn down their 
throats; then pulled out upon their chins. Their jaws, 
necks, shoulders, elbows, and all their joints, would appear 
to be dislocated, and they would make most piteous out- 
cries of burnings, of being cut with knives, beaten, &c. 
At length, an Irish woman, of no very reputable character, 
being charged by one of the girls with stealing some linen, 
assailed her with abusive language, after which the girl 
fell into fits, which were thought to have something dia- 
bolical in them. The Irish woman was suspected of 
having bewitched her, and she was apprehended by the 
magistracy. She neither confessed nor denied the truth 
of the charge, and being pronounced by the physicians 
compos mentis, she was condemned and executed. 

Sir William Phipps, the governor, on his arrival from 
England, brought with him opinions which could not fail 
to strengthen the popular prejudice; and the lieutenant 



202 SETTLK.MEXT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

governor held a belief which was ■well calculated to give 
it a sanguhiary direction. He maintained that, thongli the 
devil might appear in the shape of a guilty person, he 
could never be permitted to assume that of an innocent 
one. The public mind being thus predisposed, four girls 
in Salem complained of being afflicted m the same man- 
ner Avith those in Boston. The physicians, unable to 
account for the disorder, ascribed it to witchcraft, and 
an old Indian woman in the neighborhood was fixed on 
for the witch. These girls attracted much attention, and 
became persons of great importance by the public as well 
as private notice which was taken of them. Several pri- 
vate fasts were kept at the house of Mr. Parris. a minister, 
and father to one of the girls. Public fasts were kept by 
the whole village, and at length a general fast M'as pro- 
claimed throughout the whole colony, "to seek God to 
rebuke Satan,'" &:c. 

The foolish and criminal love of notoriety, which has 
become one of the pests of the present day. existed even in 
those primitive times. The etiect of the above measures, 
as well as the compassion expressed for the pretended suf- 
ferers by all their visitors, and the deep interest taken by 
the public in their fate, not only encouraged them in an 
imposture which produced such flattering attentions, but 
quickly raised up imitators who longed for the same dis- 
tinction. More persons were now bewitched : and not only 
the old Indian, but two other old women, one bedridden, 
and the other a mopmg. crack-brained creature, were 
accused as witches. It was necessary to keep up the 
agitation by furnishing fresh subjects for astonishment, 
and in a short time the accusations extended to persons 
M'ho were in respectable situations. The manner in which 
these accusations were received. eA'inced such a degree of 
public credulity, that the impostors seem to have been 
convinced of their power to assail with impunity any 
character which caprice or malignity might select for their 
victims. 

Such was the prevailing infatuation, that, in one instance, 
a child of live vears old was charged as an accomplice in 



WITCHCRAFT AT SALEM. — 1692. 



203 



these pretended crimes. If the nearest relatives of the 
accused manifested either tenderness for the reputation, or 
resentment at the wrongs, of their friends, they drew upon 
themselves the vengeance of the impostors and their dupes, 
and became involved in the danger from which they at- 
tempted to rescue others. A woman of known and exem- 
plary piety went out of church when the minister alluded 
to her sister ; for this she was charged with witchcraft. 
A man accompanied his wife, who had been apprehended, 
on her examination. For this, he was involved in the 
same prosecution with her, condemned, and executed. 
Some of the most sober and religious women who were 
accused, when they saw the appearance of distress and 
torture in their accusers, and heard their solemn declara- 
tions that they saw the shapes or spectres of the accused 
tormenting them, persuaded themselves that they were 
Avitches. and that the devil, somehow or other, although 
they could not remember how or when, had taken posses- 
sion of their evil hearts, and for this reason thought they 
might be justified m confessing themselves guilty. 




Sdcm nriichcraft. 

Tlie whole country was in a consternation, when it was 
fteen that persons of sober lives and imblemished character 
were committed to prison as witches and sorcerers, without 



204 SETTLEMENT OP NEW ENGLAND. 

the slightest evidence. Nobody was safe. The most 
effectual way to prevent an accusation was to become an 
accuser. Accordingly, the number of bewitched persons 
increased every day, and the number of accused in pro- 
portion. These, in general, persisted in affirming their 
innocence ; but being strongly urged to give glory to God 
by confessing, and knowing that this was the only way to 
save their lives, some were brought to own their guilt. 
The first confession was that of Deliverance Hobbs, on 
the 11th of May, 1692. She owned everything charged 
upon her. The confessions multiplied the witches ; new 
accomplices were always mentioned, who were immedi- 
ately sent for and examined. There were more than a 
hundred women, most of them of fair character, and of the 
most reputable families in Salem, Beverly, Andover, Bille- 
rica, and other towns, who were apprehended, examined, 
and for the most part committed to prison. Many of the 
confessions have been preserved ; and we shall here give 
the substance of one of these extraordinary documents. It 
is that of a woman named Osgood. 

"She confesses, that, about eleven years ago, when she 
was in a melancholy state and condition, she used to walk 
abroad in her orchard ; and, upon a certain time, she saw 
the appearance of a cat at the end of the house, which yet 
she thought a real cat. However, at that time it diverted 
her from praying to God, and, instead thereof, she prayed to 
the devil ; about which time she made a covenant with the 
devil, who, as a black man, came to her and presented 
her a book, upon which she laid her finger, and that left a 
red spot ; and that upon her signing, the devil told her he 
was her god, and that she should serve and worship him, 
and she believes she consented to it. She says, further, 
that about two years ago, she was carried through the air, 
in company with Deacon Frye's wife, Ebenezer Baker's 
wife, and Goody Tyler, to Five-mile pond, where she was 
baptized by the devil, who dipped her face in the water, 
and made her renounce her former baptism, and told her 
she must be his, soul and body, forever, and that she must 
serve him, which she promised to do. She says the 



WITCHCRAFT AT SALEM. 1692. 205 

renouncing her first baptism was after the dipping, and 
that she was transported back again through the air, in 
company with the forenamed persons, in the same man- 
ner as she went, and beUeves they were carried upon a 
pole. She confesses she has afflicted three persons, John 
Sandy, Martha Sprague, and Rose Foster, and that she 
did it by pinching her bed-clothes, and giving consent the 
devil should do it in her shape, and that the devil could 
not do it without her consent. She confesses the afflicting 
persons in court by the glance of her eye. * * ^ She 
confesses farther that she herself, in company with Goody 
Parker, Goody Tyler and Goody Dean, had a meeting at 
Moses Tyler's house last Monday night, to afflict ; and 
that she and Goody Dean carried the shape of Mr. Dean, 
the minister, between them, to make persons believe that 
Mr. Dean afflicted," &c. 6cc. 

Sometimes the devil visited these people in the shape of 
a black cat, sometimes in that of a black dog, and some- 
times he was a black man, with a high-crowned hat. The 
extravagant nonsense with which these tales were stuffed, 
only caused them to be swallowed the more greedily. Cot- 
ton Mather, a dogmatic and overbearing bigot, had staked 
his reputation on the reality of witchcraft, and lent his 
efforts to the persecution of these victims of a wretched 
delusion, with a hard-hearted pertinacity that would have 
done honor to a Spanish inquisitor. A court of oyer and 
terminer was established, by an ordinance of the governor 
and council, for the purpose of trying the witches. This 
tribunal was despotic in its origin and character, and had 
no sanction but an extraordinary and illegal commission. 
By this court, a large number of persons were condemned 
to death, of whom nineteen were hanged ; the remainder 
saved their lives by confession. The jails were still full 
of accused persons, great numbers of whom would un- 
doubtedly have fallen victims to the prevailing frenzy, but 
fortunately the legislature convened under a new charter 
the same year, and immediately created a new court for 
the trial of criminal as well as civil cases, and the illegal 
court rose to sit no more. The fixst session of the regular 

IS 



206 SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 

court for the trial of criminal cases was to be held in Jan- 
nary, 1693, and the delay was favorable to reflection and I j 
the recovery of public reason. Other causes contributed to ' 
this result. The accusations had begun to extend to peo- 
ple in high places. Mr. Bradstreet, one of the council, who, 
as a justice of the peace, was suspected of not prosecuting 
with sufficient rigor, was named by the Matches as a con- 
federate, and found it necessary to abscond. Several of 
tlie most respectable women in the colony also fell, under 
accusation. It was impossible for such a state of things to |1 
continue long. Cotton Mather, however, still resolute to 
" lift up a standard against the infernal enemy," under- 
took the defence of the witch-hunters ; and he sent to Salem 
an account strong enough " to knock down one that be- 
licvcd nothing reasonable," promising " to box it about 
among his neighbors, till it comes he knows not where, at 
last." Before the opening of the adjourned session of the 
general court, he had pre})ared his narrative of " the Won- 
ders of the Invisible World," designed to promote the 
belief in witchcraft. 

But the delusion was now rapidly abating, and when 
the court met in January, out of twenty-six persons put on 
trial, all but three were acquitted ; and these three were 
not executed. Witchcraft had now received its death- 
blow, and Cotton Mather made one last eftbrt in its favor, 
by getting up a case in his own parish in Boston. The 
imposture was promptly exposed by an unlettered but sen- 
sible man, Kobcrt Calef, a merchant of Boston, whom the 
enraged Mather stigmatized as a malignant, calumnious, 
reproachful man, and a " coal from hell." Fortunately, 
Mather's influence was at an end ; no more prosecutions 
for witchcraft took place, and a general jail-delivery fol- 
lowed. The reproaches of the people now fell upon the 
authors and abettors of this dreadful folly. Parris, the 
minister of Salem, who had been one of the prime movers 
of the persecution, was driven out of town by the inhab- 
itants. Noyes. another minister, and a rancorous persecu- 
tor, recovered favor only by a full confession, asking for- 
giveness, and consecrating the remainder of his life to 



WITCHCRA1''T AT SALEM. 1C93. 



207 



deeds of mercy. Sewell, one of the judges, by the frank- 
ness and sincerity of his undisguised confession, recovered 
pubhc esteem. Stoughton, another of the judges, and 
Mather, never repented : the former lived proud, dissatis- 
fied, and unbeloved ; the latter attempted to persuade oth- 
ers and himself that he had not been specially active in 
the tragedy. But the public would not be deceived ; and 
his diary proves that he did not wholly escape the re- 
proaches of his own conscience. 

Many of the persons who had been witnesses at the 
trials, confessed their error, and some of them acknowl- 
edged that they had been gnilty of fraud and imposture. 
But none of those who had so unscrupulously sworn away 
the lives of innocent persons, were ever brought to trial 
for the crime. Some of them, it is related, proved profli- 
gate persons, abandoned to all vice ; others passed their 
lives in obscurity and disgrace. The past could not be 
repaired ; the dead were beyond recall ; and there seemed 
to be no disposition to renew the agitation, or inflict pun- 
ishment on those who had been instrumental in the 
calamity. 




Long^s Farm^ Canada. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Settlement of the Middle and Southern States. — New York — 
Influence of the Dutch in the colonization of the United States — Voyage 
of Henry Hudson to the polar regions — Hudson enters the Dutch ser- 
vice — His voyage to America — Discovert/ of the Delaware — Hudson 
enters the bay of New York — He discovers the river Hudson — Returns 
to Europe — His last voyage — Settlement of Neic Netherlands by the 
Dutch — New York and Albany founded — Settlements on the Delaware 
— Colonization of New Jersey by the Dutch and Swedes — Settlements 
in Delaware — Maryland colonized by Calvert — Clayborne''s rebellion — 
Indian tear — Settlement of North and South Carolina — William Penn 
leads a colony into Pcmuylvania, a7id founds Philadelphia — Popular 
government in Pennsylvania — Colonization of Georgia — Disputes with 
the Dutch at New Netherlands — Conquest of that province by the Eng- 
lish — Vicissitudes of the colony. 

The Dutch republic shared with England the glory of 
having planted the first colonies in the United States. 
They also participate in the glory of having set the exam- 
ples of political freedom. England gave our ancestors the 
model of a popular representation. Holland originated for 
them the principle of federal union. The Reformation, fol- 
lowed by collisions between English dissenters and the 
Anglican hierarchy, colonized New England; and the Refor- 
mation, emancipating the United Provinces, led to European 
settlements on the Hudson. 

A company of London merchants, in 1607, projected a 
scheme for discovering a northwest passage to India. 
Under their auspices, Henry Hudson made two voyages to 
the North, and explored the coasts of Greenland, Spitzber- 
gen, and Nova Zembla. These voyages were unsuccessful, 
and Hudson offered his services to the Dutch East India 
Company. On the 4th of April, 1609, he sailed from 
Amsterdam, in a small vessel, named the Crescent, and 



DISCOVERY OF THE RIVER HUDSON. 



-1609. 



209 



manned by a mixed crew of English and Dutch. He 
steered' first to the northwest, in a persevering attempt to 
explore the seas in that quarter, but masses of ice impeded 
his course. He then sailed toward the southwest, and 
passing beyond Greenland and Newfoundland, ran down 
the coast of Acadia, and anchored in Penobscot Bay. From 
hence, following the track of Gosnold, he came in sight 
of Cape Cod, and believing himself its first discoverer, 
named it New Holland. He then stood to the south, till 
he was opposite the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, where 
he hove about, and coasted toward the north, discovering 
the Delaware. 

On the 3d of September, 1609, Hudson anchored within 
Sandy Hook, and was visited by Indians from the shore. 
After remaining here a week, he sailed through the Nar- 
rows, and found himself in the moutli of the noble river 




Dhcuvciy of the river Hudson. 

which was afterwards called by his name. He spent ten 
days in the river, and ascended it above Albany. Hudson 
then returned to Europe. He never revisited this country, 
but was lost at sea the following year, in a voyage toward 
the north pole. In 1610, the Dutch again sent ships to 
this quarter, and trafiicked with the natives. 

As Hudson had discovered this country under a commis- 
18* 



210 SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 

sion from the Dutch East India Company, the right of 
possession was claimed for the United Provinces. The 
Dutch, therefore, took formal possession of the territory, 
and, in 1614, erected a fort on the southern point of Man- 
hattan island, where the city of New York now stands. 
The next year, a settlement was made at Albany, on an 
island just below the present city, and called Fort Aurania. 
As the settlement on Manhattan island grew into a town, 
it received the name of New Amsterdam, and the colony 
was called the New Netherlands. The English made 
some feeble attempts to interfere with the Dutch in this 
quarter, but subsequently left them in quiet possession of 
the country. The boundaries were considered by the 
company as including Connecticut river on the north, and 
Delaware river on the south. In 1623, they erected a fort 
on the Delaware, and, in 1633, tliey erected another on 
Connecticut, which they called Good Hope. Near the 
former, the Swedes had a settlement ; and a quarrel arose 
between the settlers, which continued for many years, 
and terminated in the subjugation of the Swedes. 




Source of the Passaic falls, New Jersey. 

The first settlement of New Jersey was made by the 
Dutch, about the year 1623, at Fort Nassau. In 1626, a 



CALVERT SETTLES MARYLAND. 1633. 211 

company was formed in Sweden, under the patronage of 
Kuig Gustavus Adolphus, for the purpose of planting a 
colony in America. The next year a number of Swedes 
and Finns came over, and made a settlement on the west 
bank of the Delaware river. In 1640, the English began 
a plantation on the eastern bank. The Swedes, in concert 
with the Dutch, who possessed New York, drove them out 
of the country. 

Delaware was settled by a company of Swedes and 
Finns, under the patronage of King Gustavus Adolphus. 
In 1627, they landed at Cape Henlopen, and were so 
charmed with its appearance, that they gave it the name 
of Paradise Point. The country they called New Sweden, 
and the river Delaware, New Swedeland Stream. They 
purchased of the Indians, the lands on both sides of that 
river, from the sea to the falls, and seated themselves at 
the mouth of Christina Creek, near Wilmington. Being 
frequently molested by the Dutch, who claimed a right to 
the country, they, for their protection, built forts at Chris- 
tina, Lewiston, and Tinicum. The last was their seat of 
government; and John Printz, their governor, erected an 
elegant mansion at this place, which he named Printz 
Hall. 

Maryland was settled by George Calvert, who sailed for 
America near the close of 1633, accompanied by about two 
hundred emigrants, chiefly Roman Catholics. They ar- 
rived in February, 1634, at the mouth of the river Poto- 
mac. At a conference with the Indians who dwelt on the 
shore, they purchased Yoamaco, a considerable village, 
the site which St. Mary's now occupies. This colony, as 
well as all others, in the early period of their existence, 
was afliicted with troubles ; they were principally caused 
by one William Clayborne. While a member of the Vir- 
ginia council, he had obtained a license from the king to 
traflic in those parts of America where no other person 
enjoyed the exclusive right of trade. Under this license 
he had made a small settlement on the island of Kent, and, 
when the grant was made to Lord Baltimore, refused to 
submit to his authority. He persuaded the natives that 



212 SETTLEMENT OF THE IHIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 

Ihe new comers were Spaniards, and enemies to the Vir- 
ginians. 

An Indian war was the consequence, which continued 
for several years with great distress. Clayborne was in- 
dicted, and convicted of murder, piracy, and sedition, and, 
fleeing from justice, his estate was confiscated. He apphed 
to the king for redress, hut did not succeed. When the 
civil war between the king and parliament began, he em- 
braced the cause of the latter, returned to Maryland, and, 
by his intrigues, fomented, in 1645, a rebellion against its 
rulers, who were attached to the royal cause. Calvert, 
the governor, was compelled to tiy to Virginia, and the 
insurgents Seized the reins of government. The next 
year, however, the revolt was suppressed, and tranquillity 
restored. 

In 1630, Charles I. granted to Sir Robert Heath all the 
territory between the 3Uth and 36th degrees of north lati- 
tude, and extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the South 




Makiiig tar in North Carolina. 

Sea, by the name of Carolina. Under this grant, no set- 
tlement was made. In 1640, some persons fled from Vir- 
ginia, and, without license from -any source, occupied that 
portion of North Carolina north of Albemarle Somid. In 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 1681. 



213 



1661, another settlement was made near the mouth of 
Clarendon river, by adventurers from Massachusetts. 
The land being sterile, and the Indians hostile, they soon 
abandoned it. Charleston was founded in 1671, and South 
Carolina formed into a separate state. 




Pemi's treaty with the I/idians. 

William Penn, a Quaker, was the founder of Pennsyl- 
vania. Having suffered persecution in England for his 
religious opinions, he resolved to establish a colony in 
America, where liberty of conscience might be fully enjoyed. 
His father was an admiral in the navy, and had rendered 
important services to the crown. Fortified with this 
recommendation, he succeeded in obtaining from Charles 
H. a grant of territory in this country, in 1681. In the 
autumn of the same year, three ships set sail from England, 
loaded with settlers, chiefly Quakers. They landed on the 
spot where Philadelphia now stands ; but the country at that 
time contained no settlement. The following year, Penn, 
with another large body of settlers, came to the country. 
He purchased the land of the Indians, laid out the city of 
Philadelphia, and, with a convention of the settlers, estab- 



214 SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 



lished a form of government and a body of laws. Penn 
returned to England, and, on the accession of William and 
Mary, the government was taken from him, but subse- 
quently restored. In 1691, the lower counties of Pennsyl- 
vania separated from the colony, and began a distinct 
government, under the name of Delaware. The two 
provinces were afterwards rejoined, and again separated. 
In 1099, Penn again visited the colony and rcnjodclled the 
government. In 1701 the charter was surrendered, and 
the people were authorized to construct a form of govern- 
ment for themselves. The two colonies of Pennsylvania 
and Delaware were under one governor, but possessed 
separate legislatures, till the breaking out of the American 
revolution. 



^^T^^ 




^^ — **fc 

Fciin laying out Philadelphia, 

The first settlement in Georgia was made in 1732, by 
James Oglethorpe, who, with a small body of emigrants, 
founded Savannah in that year. The colonists became 
involved in wars with the Spaniards of Florida, who 
established themselves on the Altamaha, but were finally 
driven oft'. 

The Dutch at New Netherlands were not allowed to 
lemaiii long in peaceable possession of the country. There 
soon arose a conflict of claims. Massachusetts did not re- 



DISPUTES AT NEW NETHERLANDS. 1663. 



2U 



linquish its right to an indefinite extent of territory toward 
tlie west, and the people of Connecticut increased their 
pretensions on Long Island, and steadily advanced toward 
the Hudson. The original grant from the States General 
was interpreted as conveying no more than a commercial 
privilege. To the plea of discovery, purchase from the 
natives, and long possession, it was replied that Connecti- 
cut, by its charter, extended to the Pacific. "Where, 
then," demanded the Dutch negotiators, " where is New 
Netherlands?" and the agents of Connecticut answered, 
"We do not know." While tliese disputes were going on, 
in 1063, the banks of the Hudson were ravaged by an 
Indian war. Many of the inhabitants were murdered or 
made captives; the villages were laid waste; the colony 
had no friend except the MohaAvks, and it was not till the 
approach of winter that an armistice restored tranquillity. 




Catskill falls, New York. 



We have already alluded to the conquest of New 
Netherlands, of which we shall now give a more particular 
account. While the United Provinces had confidence in a 
firm peace with England, that power was engaged in 
fitting out a piratical expedition against the Dutch posses- 
sions on the coast of Guinea. Charles M. had also, with 



216 SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 

cool indilTerence to the chartered rights of Connecticut and 
the claims of the New Netherlands, the whole territory 
from the Connecticut to the Delaware. An armament was 
immediately despatched to take possession of the country, 
under Colonel Richard Nichols, groom of the bedchamber 
to the Duke of York. Tlie squadron sailed from England, 
touched at Boston for recruits, and, at the end of August, 
16G4, cast anciior before New Amsterdam. 

Peter Stuyvesant was the governor of the colony. He 
was a firm and courageous man, and made every possible 
effort to arouse the inhabitants to undertake their defence ; 
but the municipality of New Amsterdam saw that the 
town was at the mercy of the Enghsh fleet, and were 
desirous to avoid bloodshed, by a surrender. Nichols 
demanded of Stuyvesant the innuediate acknowledgment 
of English sovereignty, with the condition of security to the 
inhabitants of life, liberty and property. Stuyvesant tore 
the letter in pieces and refused to comply; but he was 
almost alone in liis opposition, and a capitulation was soon 
agreed upon. New Netherlands passed quietly under the 
sway of the English, and received the name of New York. 
On the 2-lth of September, Fort Orange, now called Albany, 
from the Scottish title of the Duke of York, quietly sur- 
rendered. Early in October, the Dutch and Swedes on 
the Delaware capitulated, and, for the first time, the whole 
Atlantic coast of the old thirteen states was in possession 
of England. Our country had obtained geographical unity. 

During the next war between England and the Nether- 
lands, in July, 1673, a small Dutch squadron, commanded 
by Evertsen, of Zealand, approached New York, and the 
town was surrendered without a blow. The people of 
New Jersey made no resistance, and the counties on the 
Delaware, recovering greater privileges than they had 
enjoyed, cheerfully followed the example of submission. 
But Holland was too feeble to protect remote conquests 
against England. Charles II., also, who, in beginning the 
war, had violated principles of international law, and 
hazarded the interests of liis kingdom, obtainhig no supplies 
from parliament, and afi-aid of the enmity of Prussia, 



ENGLAND ACQUIRES NEW YORK. 1674. 



217 



Austria and Spain, consented to treaties. After a military 
occupation of fifteen months by the Dutch, New Nether- 
lands, in October, 1674, was finally transferred to England, 
and the heir to the English throne resumed the possession 
of New York and Delaware. 




19 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Settlkment of the MimiLE and Southern States. — New Yorli — 
Leister's rebellion — Duplicity of James 11. — Discontent of the people 
of Neiv York — The froccrnmcnt of the colony ihlieercd up to Atulros — 
Invasion of Il7ii^land In/ the Prince of Orange, and accession of Willtani 
and Man/ — Nicholson, the lieulenant governor, refises to acknowledge 
their authority — Leisler heads a revolt — The fort captured — Flight of 
Nicholson to England — Conduct of Massachusc/ts and Connect init — 
The roi/alists retire to Albany — Leisler assumes the government — Dis- 
persio7i of his enemies — Intrigues of Nicholson in E?igland — Appoint- 
ment of Governor Sloughler — Leisler' s firmness — Arrival of Sloughter 
— Leister's impolitic hihavior — Ilis capture, trial and exccuiioJi — Final 
results of the rcbellioti. 

Towards ihcoiul of the I7lh ceiittiry, tlio province of New 
York was agitated by intestine troubles, which at length 
grew to open rebellion. Tlie accession of .lames 11^ to the 
English tiu'one was regarded with the liveliest satisfaction 
by the people of New York, who had reason to expect 
important benelits from one whom they had regarded as 
their friend and ])atron. Hut they soon found that the 
king liad entirely forgotten, or violated without hesitation, 
the promises he had nu\de under the title of Duke of York 
and Albany. Their disappointment was the greater, as it 
soon became apparent that James was determined to make 
the religion of Rome predominant throughout all his 
dominions. His bigotry prompted him to deliver up the 
Indians of the Five Nations to the intluence of the 
French Jesuits; and the French authorities in Canada 
imdertook, with great zeal, to chastise, or debauch by 
mtrigue, the tribes who had preferred the English alliance 
to their own. Dongan, the governor of New York, him- 
self a Roman Catholic, resisted the intrusion of the French 
priests into the settlements of the Indians ; and, having 



LEISLEr's rebellion at new YORK. 16S9. 219 

incurred the displeasure of his royal master, through the 
repeated complaints of the court of France, he was ordered 
to deliver up his government to Sir Edmund Andros, the 
governor of Massachusetts. New York was thus subjected 
to the rule of its ancient tyrant, and the people were morti- 
fied at the annexation of the province to the government of 
New England. 

While these indignities were rankling in the minds of 
the people, intelligence was received of the invasion of 
l^ngland by the Prince of Orange, and of the accession of 
William and Mary to the throne. Notwithstanding the 
goverinnent of Andros had been overthrown by an insur- 
rection of the people of JJoston, the local authorities of New 
York indicated a hesitation to take part in the general rev- 
olution. Nicholson, the lieutenant governor, refused to 
proclaim William and Mary, and even despatched a letter 
to Cjiovernor Hradstreet, at l^oston, commanding the instant 
release of Andros, and the suppression of the ■' insurrection- 
ary rabble," who had presumed to put him in confinement. 
A large party in New York broke out into open disaffec- 
tion at this state of things, and found a leader in Jacob 
Leisler, a merchant of respectable standing, and a zealous 
fricmd of the Protestant cause, who had formerly suffered 
imprisonment, by the order of Andros, for opposing one of 
his illegal acts while governor of New York. The imme- 
diate occasion of the revolt was a report, in May, 1089, that 
tlie Papists intended to attack and massacre the people 
while at church in the fort, and declare for James II. The 
people assembled in a tnmnltuous manner, and seized upon 
the fort, which the live captains of trainbands agreed 
to keep, each in his turn. A committee of safety was 
chosen for the immediate government of the province, who 
signed an agreement to adhere to the Prince of Orange, and 
to support with their lives the Protestant religion. The 
captains of militia formed a part of this committee, and 
Leisler was regarded as the principal in point of age, 
standing, and mercantile credit. Their declaration, pub- 
lished to the world, avowed t'leir purposes. "As soon as 
the bearer of orders from the Prince of Orange shall let us 



220 SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 

see his \w\vct, then, Avithout dchiy, do we intend to obey, 
not the orders only, bnt also the bearer thereof." 

The times demanded a leader who possessed the knowl- 
edge, address and firnniess of a veteran statesman. Jacob 
Leisler had none of these qualities. A simple citizen of 
New York, his education and knowledge of the world were 
not such as to fit him for the trying emergencies in which 
he was placed. In assuming power, he rested chiefly for 
support upon the less educated classes of the Dutch ; the 
English dissenters were not heartily his friends. The large 
Dutch landholders, many of the English merchants, the 
friends of the English church, the cabal that had grown 
up round the royal governors, were his Avary and unre- 
lenting opponents. But his greatest weakness was in him- 
self. Too restless to obey, and too passionate to com- 
mand ; as a Presbyterian, he was hostile to the church of 
England ; as a man of middling fortune, to the aristocracy; 
while, as a Dutchman and a Calvinist, he was an enthusi- 
ast for William of Orauije. 

Leisler's proceedings were countenanced by Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut, and his authority was soon generally 
acknowledged by the middle and lower classes of New 
York. Nicholson, the lieutenant governor, tied to Eng- 
land; and Courtlandt, the mayor of the city, Colonel Bay- 
ard, and others of the council, men of intiuencc, unable to 
brook the ascendancy of a man of plebeian rank, retired 
to Albany, and seized the fort there, declaring that they 
held it for William and Mary, but would maintain no con- 
nection with Leisler. Each party now professed allegi- 
ance to the same sovereign, and denounced the other as 
rebels. Leisler sent Milborne, his son-in-law, to Albany, 
to demand the surrender of the fort, which was refused. 
Afterwards letters were received from England, addressed 
to Nicliolson, or, in his absence, to " such as, for the time 
being, take care for preserving the peace and administer- 
mg the law in New York." After some slight hesitation 
on the part of the messenger, occasioned by the attempts of 
the party at Albany to obtain possession of the despatches, 
they were delivered to Leisler. They contained a com- 



LEISLEr's rebellion at new YORK. IG91. 221 

mission to Nicholson "to do everything appertaining to 
the office of heutenant governor, according to the laws and 
customs of New York, until further orders." Nicholson 
having left the province, Leisler considered the commis- 
sion as directed to himself, and esteemed his authority to 
have received the royal sanction. By advice of the com- 
mittee of safety, he now assumed the title of lieutenant 
governor. To add strength to his party, a convention was 
summoned of deputies from all towns to which his inllu- 
ence extended, and various regulations were adopted for 
the temporary government of the province. 

The convention of Leisler's opponents at Alhany was 
dissolved, and the members dispersed. Bayard was 
arrested and imprisoned; and there was soon no open and 
organized opposition to Leisler's authority. But success 
was more dangerous to the popular chief than adversity. 
His vindictive rashness, his want of experience, more 
than all, the failure of some of his important measures of 
government, and the imposition of taxes, rendered him 
unpopular with the people. The king had received Leis- 
ler's messenger in a flattering manner; but Nicholson, 
who had arrived in England, contrived to poison the royal 
' ear against the man who first raised the standard of the 
revolution in New York, and Leisler vainly waited for 
any express confirmation of his power, or thanks for Ids 
efforts in the cause of his sovereign. 

Sloughter was appointed governor in 1689, but remained 
in England a considerable time afterwards. Meanwliile, 
Ingoldsby, who bore a commission as captain, arrived in 
New York, in January, 1691. He announced the appoint- 
ment of Sloughter as governor, and called for a surrender 
of the fort. Leisler demanded to see his commission, or 
order from the ministry or governor. He refused submis- 
sion to a man vvlio bore no letters or orders from England, 
and issued a proclamation that on the arrival of the gov- 
ernor, the government should be cheerfully surrendered 
up to him. Ingolsby issued a counter proclamation, and 
besieged the fort. Thus the aristocratic party, the deter- 

19* 



222 SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN STATES. 

mined enemies of Leisler, obtained a leader in an officer 
of the king. 

Governor Sloughter arrived in March, 1G91, and sent 
Ingolsby to demand the surrender of the fort. Leisler's 
fear for his safety, or his love of power, overcame his pru- 
dence, and he refused to obey, thus giving his enemies a 
pretext for his destruction, which otherwise they would 
vainly have sought in all his acts. A second demand was 
made, but Leisler knew that his enemies had obtained the 
ear of the governor, and in the effort of folly and despair 
to secure his own safety, he still hesitated, but sent mes- 
sengers to the governor, who were immediately seized as 
rebels. Leisler now abandoned the fort, and was seized 
and thrown into prison, together with his son-in-law and 
several adherents. 

The prisoners were immediately brought to trial. Leis- 
ler and Milborne, with six others, were convicted of high 
treason. The latter were reprieved, but Leisler and his 
son-in-law were less fortunate. The governor hesitated 
to destroy the men who first raised the standard of Wil- 
liam of Orange and protestantism, and he resolved to wait 
the royal pleasure. But the enemies of Leisler were bent 
on his death. They invited Sloughter to a feast, and 
when his reason was drowned in his cups, he was pre- 
vailed on to sign the death warrant. Before he recovered 
his senses, the prisoners were executed. On the 16th of 
May, 169J, Leisler and Milborne were hanged. The 
populace, overawed by the soldiery, were dreadfully agi- 
tated by the spectacle of the execution. The shrieks of 
fainting women were terrible to hear ; and torrents of rain, 
which fell at the time, added to the gloom and horror of 
the scene. When Leisler was dead, his garments were 
cut in pieces by the crowd, and his hair was divided as 
the precious relics of a martyr. 

Thus perished Jacob Leisler, a victim to party malig- 
nity. The first to raise the standard of William and 
Mary, he was the first to suffer as a traitor. The appeal 
to the king, which had been denied him during his life, 
was prosecuted after his death— by his son. It was pro- 



LEISLER S REBELLION AT NEW YORK. 1691. 



223 



nounced that the forms of law had not been violated in 
his condemnation; but his estate was restored to his 
family, and an act of parliament did justice to his memory 
by reversing the attainder. His friends afterwards formed 
a powerful, and in the end a successful party, and one of 
his principal enemies was afterwards condemned as a rebel 
and a traitor. 




CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Colonial Governments. — New York — Origin of the " Negro 
Plot " — Intrigues of the Spaniards — Unquiet condition of the slaves — 
Troubles in Neto York — Panic of 1741 — Apprehensions of a plot — Ar- 
rest of suspected persons — The Spanish negroes — General alarm — 
Confessions extorted from the prisoners — Trials arid executions — Vio- 
lence of the law officers — Alarm on the subject of popery — Trial and 
execution of Ury, the Catholic — Alarm of a plot on Long Island — 
Progress and character of the delusion — Remarks on domestic slavery. 

Human credulity appears to be everywhere the same, 
and mankind, a prey to this weakness, rush everywhere 
into the same extravagances. The dehision of the Popish 
Plot in England and of Witchcraft in Massachusetts, was 
copied, at a later and more enlightened period, in New 
York, and ran through the same phases to the same deplo- 
rable lengths. In the year 1741, the city of New York 
was thrown into the most intense excitement and alarm, 
by the rumor of a plot by the negro population, to burn the 
city and massacre the inhabitants. The fear of such an 
event had some foundation in the fact, that negro slavery, 
at that day, was attended with diHiculties and dangers, 
Mdrich, to a certain extent, have since ceased to exist. 
Most of the slaves were Africans by birth, who had been 
violently torn from their native land and reduced to servi- 
tude. Their spirits were not yet entirely subdued; and a 
race, which at this day is remarkable for implicit obedi- 
ence and quiet submission, were, at the time alluded to, 
rude, boisterous and vicious, and had in their number 
many restless and daring spirits, whose influence was 
justly feared by the white population. 

There had been frequent insurrections in different parts 
of the country. The Spanish government made direct 



NEW YORK NEGRO PLOT. 1741. 225 

efforts to induce the slaves to revolt. Liberty and protec- 
tion had been proclaimed to all fugitive negroes from the 
English by the governor of Florida, and he had actually 
formed a regiment from the negro refugees, appointing offi- 
cers from among themselves, allowing them the same pay, 
and clothing them in the same uniform with the regular 
troops of Spain. In 1738, a serious revolt took place in 
South Carolina, and a large number of the insurgents suf- 
fered the last infliction of human power and vengeance. 

The negroes in New York were peculiarly exposed to 
the temptations of freedom. They becam^ more intelli- 
gent than those in the interior, and their passions were 
inflamed by familiar intercourse with the lower orders of 
the white population. As early as 1712, there had been 
an insurrection of the slaves in New York, who fired a 
house and murdered several citizens before they were dis- 
persed by the soldiers. Recollections of this, and a general 
distrust of the negro population, rendered the citizens of 
that city peculiarly suspicious of their movements; and 
when, in 1741, the cry was raised of a negro plot, there 
ensued a scene of confusion and alarm, of folly, frenzy and 
injustice, which scarcely has been surpassed in this or any 
other country. 

In February of that year, the house of a merchant, 
named Hogg, was robbed, and suspicions were entertained 
of John Hughson, who kept a low tavern where negroes 
were in the habit of resorting. This man had an indented 
servant, Mary Burton by name, about sixteen years of age, 
who gave information against him, and he confessed that 
a part of the goods were brought to his house, which he 
delivered up to the magistrate. Peggy Carey, a woman 
of infamous character, was also implicated in the robbery, 
and was committed to prison. Soon after these occur- 
rences, the government house in the fort was discovered 
to be on fire, at midday, and was burnt, together with the 
king's chapel, the secretary's office, the barracks, and the 
stable. The fire was satisfactorily enough accounted for, 
but other fires occurring in quick succession, on different 
days, and some of them being undoubtedly the work of 
incendiaries, great alarm was excited. 



226 THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

It happened that a Spanish vessel, partly manned with 
negroes, had previously been brought into New York as a 
prize, and all the men had been condemned as slaves m 
the court of admiralty, and were sold at vendue. " Now 
these men had the impudence to say, notwithstanding they 
were black, that they were freemen in their own country, 
and to grumble at their hard usage in being sold for 
slaves." One of them had been bought by the owner of a 
house in which fire was discovered, and a cry was raised 
among the people, " the Spanish negroes, the Spanish ! 
take up the ^anish negroes!" They were immediately 
incarcerated, and a fire occurring in the afternoon of the 
same day, the rumor became general, that the slaves in a 
body were concerned in these wicked attempts to burn the 
city. 

The military were turned out, and sentries were posted 
in every part of the city, while there was a general search 
of the houses, and an examination of suspicious persons. 
The lieutenant governor, at the request of the city authori- 
ties, offered a reward of one hundred pounds and a full 
pardon to any free white person who should discover the 
men concerned in these incendiary acts ; and freedom 
with a reward of twenty pounds to any slave who should 
make the same discovery. The offer was tempting, and, 
at the ensuing session of the superior court, Mary Burton, 
the servant of Hughson, made a statement before the 
grand jury, to the effect, that three negroes, Caesar, Prince 
and Cuffee, were accustomed to meet at her master's, and 
had made a plan to burn the whole city and massacre the 
inhabitants. She had seen a large number of negroes at 
the same place, who were all in the conspiracy, and there 
were in her master's house a quantity of fire-arms. The 
only white persons concerned were her master, his wife, 
and Peggy Carey. The former was to be king, and Ca;sai 
was to be governor. At one of the meetings she heard 
Cuffee say, " that a great many people had too much, and 
others too little;" and he intimated that such an unequal 
state of things should not long continue. 

When this statement was made known to the court, 



NEW YORK NEGRO PLOT.— 1741. 227 

they immediately summoned all the lawyers in the city to 
consult upon the measures most proper to be adopted in this 
emergency. By a law of the colony, negroes might be 
tried for any offence in a summary way; "but, as this 
was a plot in which white people were confederated with 
them, and most probably were the first movers and sedu- 
cers of the slaves, there was reason to apprehend a deeper 
design than the slaves themselves were capable of; and it 
was judged most advisable that it should be taken under 
the care of the supreme court." Accordingly, application 
was made to the lieutenant governor for an ordinance to 
enlarge the term of the supreme court ; and the bar unan- 
imously offered their assistance on every trial, in their 
turn, " as this was conceived to be a matter that not only 
affected the city, but the whole province." 

Meanwhile the examinations and confessions were in- 
creasing every day. Peggy Carey, the wretched prostitute, 
being implicated, was examined by the judges in prison. 
She was promised pardon and reward if she would confess 
and expose the rest; but she said, "that if she should 
accuse anybody of any such thing, she must accuse inno- 
cent persons, and wrong her own soul;" and she denied 
all knowledge of the fires. But upon being convicted as a 
receiver of stolen goods, she " seemed to think it high time 
to do something to recommend herself to mercy," and 
made a voluntary confession, in which slie changed the 
scene of the plot from Hughson's to John Romme's, a shoe- 
maker, and the keeper of a low tavern, where she said 
several negroes used to meet, to whom Romme adminis- 
tered an oath ; and they were to attempt to burn the city, 
but if they did not succeed, they were to steal all they 
could, and he was to carry them to a strange country and 
give them their liberty. All the slaves mentioned by her 
were immediately arrested. Romme absconded, but was 
afterwards taken in New Jersey. 

On the 29th of May, 1741, the negro slaves, Quack 
and Cuffee, were brought to trial before the supreme court, 
on a charge of a conspiracy to murder the inhabitants 
of the city of New York. The principal evidence against 



22S THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

them came from Mary Burton. There was also some evi- 
dence against them from negroes. The prisoners had no 
counsel, while the attorney general, assisted by two mem- 
bers of the bar, appeared against them. The evidence had 
little consistency, and was extremely loose and general. 
The arguments of the lawyers were chiefly declamatory 
respecting the horrible plot, of the existence of which, how- 
ever, no sufficient evidence was introduced. " The mon- 
strous ingratitude of this black tribe," was the language 
of one of them, in addressing the jury, " is what exceed- 
ingly aggravates their guilt. Their slavery among us is 
generally softened with great indulgence. They live with- 
out care ; and are commonly better clothed and fed, and 
put to less labor, than the poor of most Christian countries. 
But notwithstanding all the kindness and tenderness with 
which they have been treated amongst us, yet this is the 
second attempt of the same kind, that this brutish and 
bloody species of mankind have made within one age." 
The prisoners were immediately convicted, and were sen- 
tenced by one of the court, in a brutal address, which is 
singularly indicative of the general excitement on the sub- 
ject, to be burnt to death. " You that were for destroying 
us without mercy," he said, "you abject wretches, the 
outcasts of tlie nations of the earth, are treated here with 
tenderness and humanity ; and, I wish I could not say, with 
too great indulgence, for you have grown" wanton with 
excess of liberty, and your idleness has proved your ruin, 
having given you the opportunities of forming this villan- 
ous and detestable conspiracy. What hopes can you have 
of mercy in the other world; for shall not the Judge of all 
the earth do right?" and he urged them to confess, as 
aflbrding the only hope of mercy. 

The prisoners protested their innocence, and utterly denied 
any knowledge of any plot whatever ; but when they were 
taken out to execution, the j)oor creatures were much ter- 
rified ; the ofllccrs again endeavored to persuade them to 
confess, and after tliey were chained to the stake, and the 
executioner was ready to apply the torch, they admitted 
all that was required of them. An attempt was then made 



NEW YORK NEGRO PLOT, 1741. 229 

to procure a reprieve, but a great multitude had assembled 
to witness the executions, and the excitement was so great, 
that it was considered impossible to return the prisoners to 
prison. They were accordingly burned at the stake. Al- 
though Hughson and his wife had already been tried, and 
were under sentence of death for the felony of receiving 
stolen goods, it was determined to bring them to another 
trial for being concerned in the conspiracy. Accordingly, 
on the 4th of June, 1741, Hughson, his wife, his daugh- 
ter, and Peggy Carey, Avere placed at the bar for trial. 
Mary Burton was at hand with her tales, and Arthur Price, 
a thief and an infamous character, Avho had been employed 
by the magistrates to go to Sarah Hughson and endeavor 
to make her accuse her father and mother, related a con- 
versation he pretended to have had with her. The pris- 
oners had no counsel, and almost every member of the bar 
appeared against them. The attorney general made an 
address to the jury, which was full of outrageous invectives 
against Hughson. "Such a monster," he said, "will this 
Hughson appear before you, that, for the sake of the plun- 
der he expected by setting in flames the king's house, and 
this whole city, he, remorseless he ! counselled and encour- 
aged the committing of all these most astonishing deeds of 
darkness, cruelty and inhumanity — infamous Hughson ! 
Gentlemen, this is that Hughson, whose name and most 
detestable conspiracies will no doubt be had in everlasting 
remembrance, to his eternal reproach, and stand recorded 
to the latest posterity. This is the man ! This, that grand 
incendiary ! — that arch-rebel against God, his king, and 
his country ! — that devil incarnate, and chief agent of the 
Abaddon of the infernal pit and regions of darkness." 

The prisoners severally and solemnly protested their in- 
nocence, declared that what the witnesses had said against 
them was false, and called upon God to witness their as- 
severations. They were all found guilty, and were sen- 
tenced to be hanged. " Good God ! " exclaimed the judge, 
in pronouncing sentence, " when I reflect on the disorders, 
confusion, desolation and havoc, which the effect of your 
most wicked, most detestable, and diabolical counsels mi^ht 
20 



230 THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

have produced, had not the hand of our great and good 
God mterposed, it shocks me ; and you, who would have 
burnt and destroyed without mercy, ought to be served in 
a hke manner." 

The daughter of Hughson confessed, and was saved. 
Peggy Carey had confessed, but retracted, and said that 
what she had confessed was a gross prevarication, and that 
she had sworn falsely against those she accused. She was 
accordingly executed. On the evening before her death, 
she sent for one of the judges, and reiterated to him her 
statement that she had foresworn herself in regard to the 
plot. Hughson and his wife asserted their innocence to 
the last and were executed. When the three came to die, 
Hughson seemed' to expect a rescue. His wife was sense- 
less, and Peggy Carey met her fate with less composure 
than either of the others. 

Meanwhile the trials were prosecuted with all possible 
vigor. On the 8th of June six negroes were condemned 
to be chained to a stake and burned. On the 10th of June, 
four more negroes were tried, convicted, and subsequently 
received the same sentence. One of them immediately 
made a confession in court, implicating a large number of 
negroes. On the I3th of June, five more were con- 
victed, and, on the 15th of the same month, were sen- 
tenced to death. On the 17tli of June, five of the 
Spanish negroes were brought to trial. By a law of the 
province, the testimony of slaves could only be used against 
each other, and it was used in the present instance ; bvit 
the prisoners complained bitterly of the injustice done them, 
insisting that they were freemen in their own country. 
The court decided, however, that they Avere slaves, and 
the evidence of slaves was properly used against them. 
They were all condemned. On the 19th of .Tune, the 
lieutenant governor offered a full pardon to all who would 
make confession before the 1st of July. The poor negroes, 
being extremely terrified, were anxious to take the only 
avenue of safety that was offered, and each strove to tell a 
story as ingenious and horrible as he could manufacture. 
"Now," says the historian of the plot, ''many negroes 



NEW YORK NEGRO PLOT. 1741. 231 

began to squeak, in order to lay hold of the benefit of the 
proclamation. Some who had been apprehended, but not 
indicted, and many who had been indicted and arraigned, 
who had pleaded not guilty, were disposed to retract their 
pleas and plead guilty, and throw themselves on the mercy 
of the court." In one week after the proclamation, there 
were thirty additional slaves accused, and before the 
15th of July, forty-six negroes, on their arraignment at 
different times, pleaded guilty. Suspected slaves were 
daily arrested, until, at length, the prisons became so full 
that there was danger of disease, and the court again 
called in the assistance of the members of the bar, who 
agreed to bear their respective shares in the fatigue of the 
several prosecutions. 

The terrible cry of popery was now raised, which struck 
terror to the hearts of all, and led to the sacrifice of an 
amiable and interesting clergyman, of whose innocence 
there can scarcely remain a doubt, so absurd was the 
charge against him, and so feebly was it supported. This 
was John Ury, the son of a former secretary of the South 
Sea Company, a non-juring clergyman, and a man of 
education. He came to New York for the purpose of 
teaching a school. When he was arrested he denied all 
knowledge of any plot, or even of the witnesses who testi- 
fied against him; but Mary Burton, and William Kane, a 
soldier who had himself been accused and escaped by con- 
fession, testified positively, that Ury was in the habit of 
meeting the negroes at Hughson's, and he was committed 
to prison. His trial took place on the 29th of July, 
1741, before the supreme court. He was charged with 
having counselled, abetted, and procured a negro slave, 
named Quack, to set fire to the king's house in the fort. A 
second indictment charged, that being a priest, made by the 
authority of the pretended see of Rome, he came into the 
province and city of New York after the time limited by a 
law against Jesuits and popish priests. He pleaded not 
guilty, but in spite of his solemn asseverations of his inno- 
cence, and the deficiency of all reasonable evidence against 
him, so strong was the infatuation under which the people 



233 THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

labored, that the jury, without hesitation, pronounced him 
guilty, and he was executed on the 29th of August, 1741. 
He died with firmness and composure, protesting his inno- 
cence to the last. 

After the execution of Ury, a day of thanksgiving to 
Almighty God was observed by public command, " for the 
deliverance of his majesty's subjects here from the destruc- 
tion wherewith they were so generally threatened by the 
late execrable conspiracy." But the public mind was at 
rest for a short time only. A few negroes in Queen's 
county, on Long Island, having formed themselves into a 
military company, for amusement on the Christmas holi- 
days, a letter was written to the authorities there by the 
attorney general, and the slaves were severely chastised 
" for this daring piece of insolence." The cry of a new 
plot was immediately raised, which resulted in the arrest 
of several slaves, one of whom was executed. The excite- 
ment soon, however, subsided, and the prosecutions were 
becoming unpopular, more especially as Mary Burton, the 
common informer, began to give out intimations against 
people of consequence in the city. The last act of the 
tragedy was the payment to this wretched creature, by the 
city authorities, of the reward of one hundred pounds, ori- 
ginally offered to any one who would disclose the plot. 

The whole number of persons taken into custody, on sus- 
picion of being engaged in the conspiracy, was over one 
hundred and fifty. Of these, four white persons were 
hanged ; eleven negroes were burnt, eighteen were hanged, 
and fifty were transported and sold, principally to the West 
Indies. Several persons who were suspected made their 
escape out of the colony. 

Thus ended the famous negro plot of New York. Upon 
a review of the evidence, as reported by one who had 
implicit faith in the existence of a conspiracy to burn the 
city and murder the inhabitants, we have no difficulty in 
pronouncing the whole thmg to have been a complete delu- 
sion. The numerous contradictions, the glaring inconsis- 
tencies of the witnesses, and the monstrous perversions of 
law and evidence on the part of the magistrates, render 



SLAVERY IN AMERICA. 1741. 233 

argument upon the subject entirely unnecessary ; and it is 
gratifying to know, that tlie people of that day did not all 
of them approve of the acts of folly, injustice and cruelty 
with which this supposed conspiracy was attended. "There 
are," exclaims the historian of the plot, " some wanton, 
wrong-headed persons, who take the liberty to arraign the 
justice of the proceedings, and set up their private opinions 
in superiority to the court and grand jury, and declare with 
no small assurance that there was no plot at all !" 

Nor is it difficult to account for this delusion. It was 
the natural result of the condition of society at that day. 
Domestic slavery, founded in wrong and injustice, must 
always be attended with peculiar evils, even in its most 
mitigated form, and it is a question of no easy solution, 
whether the master or the slave suffers most from its influ- 
ence. Unrestrained control and passive submission are 
.equally injurious to the human character. While the slave 
is kept at the level of the mere brute, the master finds his 
safety only in the restraint of brute force, and habits of 
distrust and jealousy are naturally engendered. Servile 
insurrections, the most dreadful of any which history 
records, create alarm and consternation, which no open 
and avowed enemy can accomplish. The people feel that 
their enemies are within their bosom. The terror of each 
man becomes a source of terror to every other ; and, a 
universal panic being diffused, reason and argument, com- 
mon sense, and common humanity, lose all their influence. 

Domestic slavery had, in a measure, been forced upon 
the American colonies against their will. In New York, 
at the period referred to, the system existed in its least 
mitigated form, and the severest laws were necessary to 
keep the slaves, who composed one sixth of the population, 
in subjection. They could not be witnesses against a free 
man ; they were incapable of purchasing the necessaries of 
life ; they were punishable by their masters to any extent 
short of life or limb ; as often as three of them were found 
together, they were punishable with forty lashes on the 
bare back, and the same legal liability attended the walk- 
ing with a club out of the master's ground without a per- 
20^ 



234 



THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 



mit ; and two justices might inflict any punishment, short 
of death or amputation, for a blow or the smallest assault 
upon a Christian or a Jew. 

Notwithstanding these severe regulations, the slaves were 
a source of constant anxiety and suspicion to the white 
population. While the people were in this timorous and 
jealous disposition, the cry oi plot, all on a sudden, struck 
their ears ; they were awakened from a slumber, and, like 
men affrighted, and in the dark, they took every figure for 
a spectre. 




CHAPTER XIX. 

Indian Wars at the South. — Disaffection of the Tuscaroras — Settle- 
ments of the Palatines — Capture of De Graff enreid and Lawson — Mur- 
der of Lawson — War tvith the Tuscaroras aiid Corees — Devastation 
of North Carolina — Expedition against the enemy on the Neuse — Inter- 
nal dissensions in North Carolina — Pacification — Renewal of the war 
— Deplorable state of the country — Divisions among the Tuscaroras — 
Moore'' s expedition — Defeat of the Indians — The Tuscaroras expelled 
from the country and join the Five Nations of New York — Revival of 
trade in North Carolina — Condition of the Indian tribes — War with 
the Yamassecs — General confederacy of the Indians — Massacre at Poco- 
taligo and Goose Creek — Expedition of Governor Craven — Battle of 
the Salkehatchie — Defeat and expulsion of the Yamassecs — Revolution in 
Carolina — The colony made a royal jirovince — Insurrection of the 
slaves. 

In the early part of the eighteenth century, the southern 
colonies were desolated by Indian wars. The chiefs of 
the Tuscaroras had become indignant at the encroachments 
of the proprietors of Carolina, who liad made grants of 
their land to a body of German emigrants. These were 
the unfortunate inhabitants of the Palatinate, whose coun- 
try had been so wantonly laid waste by order of Louvois, 
the minister of Louis XIV. In 1711, two of the principal 
persons of Carolina, De Graffenreid and Lawson, ascended 
the river Neuse in a boat, to discover how far it was navi- 
gable, and make explorations along its banks. A party of 
sixty Indians made them prisoners, and delivered them 
into the hands of a Tuscarora chief. He assembled a 
large council of the principal Indians from the neigh- 
boring towns, and a formal complaint was made before 
them, of the conduct of the English in Carolina, and 
especially of the severity of Lawson, who was surveyor 
general, and, having marked out the lots for the settlers, 



236 INDIAN WARS AT THE SOUTH. 

was considered by the Indians as the man who had sold 
their land. After a discussion of two days, the death 
of the prisoners was decreed. A large fire was kindled; 
a ring was drawn round the victims, and strewn with 
flowers. On the morning appointed for the execution, a 
council assembled anew. Round the white men sat the 
chiefs in two rows ; behind them were three hundred 
Indians engaged in festive dances. Lawson was burnt 
at the stake, but Graflenreid, as the great chieftain of 
the Palatines, on pledging the people to neutrality, and 
promising to occupy no land without the consent of the 
tribe, was suffered, after a captivity of five weeks, to 
return through the woods on foot. On reaching the settle- 
ments, he found them ravaged by Indian hostilities. On 
the 22d of September, 1711, bands of Tuscaroras and Co- 
rees, acting in concert, approached the scattered cabins 
along the Roanoke and Pamlico Sound. As night came 
on, a whoop from a warrior called his fierce associates 
from the woods, to commence the indiscriminate car- 
nage. All was bloodshed, fire and desolation. The sav- 
ages, with the tomahawk in one hand, and the lighted 
pine-knot in the other, pursued the wretched inhabitants 
through the forests and over the plains. The whole region 
about Albemarle Sound was laid waste, and the savages 
did not desist from slaughter till they were disabled by 
fatigue. 

Some of the Indian tribes had remained faithful to the 
English, and the Carolinians engaged their assistance in 
the war. A body of Cherokees, (^reeks, Catawbas and 
Yamassees, accompanied by a small detachment of militia, 
marched against the enemy, who were intrenched in a 
rude fortification on the banks of the Neuse. Siege was 
laid to this place; but Carolina was disturbed by internal 
factions, and even the imminent danger of a savage war 
had not roused the inhabitants to harmonious action. 
fitter animosities subsisted between the inhabitants and 
the proprietaries, and the public afl\xirs were embarrassed 
to such a degree, that Barnwell, the commander of the 
expedition against the Indians, could only negotiate a 



INDIAN WAR IN CAROLINA. — 1713. 237 

treaty of peace. The militia of South Carolina, on their 
return, violated the treaty, enslaving the inhabitants of vil- 
lages, which should have been safe under its guarantees, 
^riie consequence was, that the war was immediately 
renewed, and fire and massacre again desolated the 
country. 

The Carolinas were now in a deplorable condition. 
The settlements were impoverished or ruined, and a gene- 
ral disaffection and distrust existed toward the govern- 
ment. To add to the general calamity, in the autumn of 
1712, the yellow fever broke out, and raged in its most 
malignant form. The country south of Pamlico Sound 
seemed destined to become once more a wilderness. But 
a new levy was made of the Indian allies, and the inhab- 
itants succeeded, at length, in effecting a disunion among 
the Tuscaroras. A strong army of the South Carolinian 
tribes, and a few militia, under the command of James 
Moore, took the field, in March, 1713, and pursued the 
enemy to their fort on the Neuse, which was besieged and 
captured, with eight hundred prisoners. The inhabitants 
now entered into the war with more spirit and good will. 
The savages were chased across jllie lakes and swamps, 
with the help of the friendly Indians, who were paid for 
prisoners and scalps. The Tuscaroras, finding no rest in 
this quarter, abandoned their old hunting-grounds, and 
migrated to the neighborhood of the Oneida lake, where 
they were welcomed by their kindred of the Iroquois, and 
admitted into their confederacy, as the Sixth Nation. A 
small number of this tribe continued at peace with the 
English, and remained in a single settlement in Carolina. 

The prospect of a lasting peace occasioned a rapid ex- 
tension of the Indian trade of Carolina. Favored by the 
mild climate, the traders had their storehouses among the 
Chickasaws, and near the Natchez ; and, by intimidation 
rather than by good will, gained admission even into the 
villages of the Choctaws. Still more intimate were their 
commercial relations with the branches of the Muscogees, 
in the immediate vicinity of the province, especially with 
the Yamassees, who, from impatience at the attempts 



238 INDIAN WARS AT THE SOUTH. 

made to convert them to Christianity, had deserted their 
old abodes in Florida, and planted themselves m the 
southern parts of Carolina. The tribes of Carolina had 
been regarded as an inoffensive and peaceable race. They 
were very largely in debt for the advances which had 
been made to them, and the traders began to be hard upon 
them for their pay. The French in Louisiana incited the 
Choctaws to hostilities, and the English were driven from 
their villages. The whole Indian world, from Mobile near 
to Cape Fear, was in commotion. The Yamassees renewed 
their friendly relations with the Spaniards of St. Augus- 
tine; they won the alliance of the Catawbas and the 
Cherokees, and their messenger, with " the bloody stick," 
made his way through flowering groves to the new towns 
of the Apalachicola emigrants on the Savannah, to the 
ancient villages of the Uchces, and to the rivers along 
which the various tribes of the Muscogees had their dwell- 
ings. A general war against the English was determined 
on, but the rising was delayed till the deliberations of the 
grand council of the Creeks should be finished, and the 
emblem of war returned. 

The war burst out in 1715. Early in the spring the de- 
meanor of the Yamassees was observed to assume a hostile 
and menacing aspect. On the morning of Good Friday, 
they fell upon the traders at Pocotaligo, and commenced a 
general massacre. One boy escaped into the forest, and, 
after wandering nine days, reached a garrison. Seaman 
Burroughs, a strong man and a swift runner, broke through 
the ranks of the Indian assailants, and, though hotly pur- 
sued and twice wounded, by running ten miles, and swim- 
ming one, he reached Port Royal and alarmed the town. 
The inhabitants, some in canoes, and some on board a 
ship, which chanced to be in the harbor, escaped to 
Charleston. At a plantation on Goose Creek, seventy 
whites and forty faithful negroes, being protected by a 
breastwork, determined to maintain their post; but, on the 
first attack, their courage failed them, and they agreed to 
surrender. The instant they fell into the power of the 
enemy, all were barbarously murdered. 



REVOLT OF THE NEGROES IN SOUTH CAROLINA. — 1733. 239 

Governor Craven, from North Carolina, at the head of 
one thousand men, marched against the savages. He dis- 
covered several small parties, who fled before him. On 
the banks of the river Salkehatchie. he found them all 
assembled, and there an obstinate and bloody battle was 
fought. The whites were victorious, and compelled the 
enemy to leave the province. Most of them fled to Florida, 
and were kindly received by the Spaniards. This put a 
finishing stroke to Indian hostilities in the Carolinas. 

The war with the Yamassees was followed by a do- 
mestic revolution. In 1719, at a general review of the 
militia at Charleston, occasioned by a threatened invasion 
of the colony from Florida, the oflicers and soldiers bound 
themselves by a solemn compact, to support each other in 
resisting the tyranny of the proprietors ; and the assembly, 
v/hich was then in session, requested the governor, by a 
respectful address, to consent to administer the government 
in the king's name. He refused, and by proclamation 
dissolved the assembly. The members immediately met, 
and elected Colonel James Moore their governor. He was 
a bold man, and exceedingly well qualified for a popular 
leader, in a turbulent season. He accepted the appoint- 
ment, and administered the aflairs of the colony. 

The conduct of the proprietors and people was brought 
before his majesty's council. After a full hearing, it was 
decided, that both colonies should be taken under the 
protection of the crown. 

In 1738, a disturbance was created among the negroes 
in South Carolina. A number of them assembled at Stono, 
surprised and killed two white men, who had the charge 
of a warehouse, from which they took guns and ammu- 
nition. They then chose a captain, and with drums pro- 
ceeded southward, burning every house, and killing all 
the whites that fell in their way, and compelled all the 
negroes to join them. Governor Bull, who was returning 
from the southward, accidentally met them, hastened out 
of the way and spread the alarm. 

The news soon reached Willown, where a large congre- 
gation were attending divine service. The men, according 



240 



INDIAN WARS AT THE SOUTH. 



to the law, brought their arms to the place of worship, and 
marched directly in quest of the negroes. While, in an 
open field, they were dancing with frantic exultation at 
their late success, they were suddenly attacked by the 
whites; a nvunbcr were killed, some fled, and the re- 
mainder were taken. They who had been compelled to 
join them were pardoned; but all the leaders sufiered 
death. 




CHAPTER XX. 

The Colonial Governments. — Extension of the settlements along the 
coast of the United States — The French on Lake Champlain — First 
settlement in Vermont — Population in the jntddle and southern states — 
Labors of Bishop Berkeley in favor of the American colonies — Schools, 
colleges, newspapers — Tendencies of the colonies towards union — Anti- 
cipated taxation of the colonies — Policy of the F^iglish government 
with regard to manufactures — The slave-trade — Kjforts for the contin- 
uance and extension of it made by the government and people of Eng- 
land — Slavery excluded from Georgia — Emigration of Moravians to 
Georgia — Settlement of Ebenezer — Wesley and Whitefield in Amer- 
ica. 

The British empire in the west advanced now with 
rapid strides towards wealth, power and consohdation. In 
the early part of the 18th century, the whole coast of North 
America, from the Bay of Fundy to Florida, was marked hy 
prosperous and thriving settlements. Peace, on the eastern 
frontier, revived the youthful maritime enterprise of Maine, 
and its settlements hegan to obtain a fixed prosperity. 
The French, just before occupying Crown Point, pitched 
their tents on the opposite eastern shore, in the township 
of Addison, Vermont. But already, in 1724, the govern- 
ment of Massachusetts had established Fort Dummer, on 
the site of Brattleborough ; and thus, one hundred and 
fifteen years after the inroad of Champlain, a settlement 
of civilized man was made in Vermont. That Fort Dum- 
mer was within the limits of Massachusetts, was not ques- 
tioned by the French ; for the fort at Saybrook, according 
to the French rule, gave to England the whole basin of 
the river. Of Connecticut, the swarming population spread 
over all its soil, and occupied even its hills; for its whole 
extent was protected against the desolating inroads of sav- 
ages. The selfish policy of its governors and its royalist 
21 



24^ THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

party delayed the increase of New York. Pennsylvania, 
as the land of promise, was still the refuge of the op- 
pressed. We shall "soon have a German colony," wrote 
Logan, in 1726, "so many thousands of Palatines arc 
already in the country." Nor did the southwest range of 
mountains, from the James to the Potomac, fail to become 
occupied by emigrants, and enlivened by county courts ; 
and, in 1732, the valley of Virginia received white inhabi- 
tants. There were no European settlements, even in Car- 
olina, on streams that flow westward. In that colony the 
abodes of civilized man reached scarcely a hundred miles 
from tlie Atlantic ; the more remote ones were made by 
herdsmen, who pastured beeves upon canes and natural 
grasses ; and the cattle, hardly kept from running wild, 
were now and then rallied at central " Cowpens." 

While the Palatinate poured forth its sons from their 
devastated fields, — while the Scotch, who had made a 
sojourn in Ireland, crowding to America, established them- 
selves as freeholders in almost every part of the United 
States, — the progress of colonization was mainly due to 
the rapid increase of the descendants of former settlers. 
At the peace of Utrecht, the inhabitants in all the colonies 
could not have been far from four hundred thousand. 
Before peace was again broken, they had grown to be not 
far from eight hundred thousand. Happy America ! to 
which Providence gave the tranquillity necessary for her 
growth, as well as the trials which were to discipline her 
for action. 

The eflects of the American system of social freedom 
were best exhibited in the colonies which approached the 
most nearly to independence. More than a century ago, 
" the charter governments were celebrated for their excel- 
lent laws and mild administration; for the security of 
liberty and property ; for the encouragement of virtue, 
and suppression of vice ; for promoting letters by erecting 
free schools and colleges." Among the most distinguished 
sons of Ireland, of that day, was Bishop Berkeley, who, 
like Penn, garnered up his hopes for humanity in America, 
By the testimony of adverse factions, possessing "every 



STATE OF THE COLONIES, 1720. 243 

virtm under heaven," he repaired to the new hemisphere 
to found a university. But opinion in England did not 
favor his design. The funds that had been regarded as 
pledged to it, were diverted to pay the dowry of the princess 
royal. Disappointed, yet not irritated, Berkeley returned 
to Europe, to endow a library in Rhode Island ; to cherish 
the interests of Harvard ; to gain a right to be gratefully 
remembered at New Haven; to encourage the foundation 
of a college at New York. Advanced to a bishopric, he 
still loved the simplicity and gentle virtues which the vil- 
lages of America illustrated. 

To free schools and colleges the periodical press had 
been added, and newspapers began their office in America 
as the ministers to curiosity and the guides and organs 
of opinion. On the 24th day of April, 1704, the Boston 
News- Letter, the first ever published on the western con- 
tinent, saw the light in the metropolis of New England. 
In 1719, it obtained a rival at Boston, and was imitated at 
Philadelphia. In 1740, the number of newspapers in the 
English colonies on the continent, had increased to eleven, 
of which one appeared in South Carolina, one in Virginia, 
three in Peimsylvania, — one of them being in German, — 
one in New York, and the remaining five in Boston. The 
sheet at first used was but of the foolscap size ; and but 
one, or (iven but a half of one, was issued weekly. The 
papers sought support rather by modestly telling the news 
of the day, than by engaging in conflicts; they had no 
political theories to enforce, no revolutions in faith to hasten. 
In Boston, indeed, where the pulpit had marshalled Qua- 
kers and witches to the gallows, one newspaper, the New 
England Courant, the fourth American periodical, was 
established in August, 1721, as an organ of independent 
opinion, by .Tames Franklin. Its temporary success was 
advanced by Benjamin, his brother and apprentice, a boy 
of fifteen, who wrote pieces for its humble columns, worked 
in composing the types, as well as in printing off" the sheets, 
and himself, as carrier, distributed the papers to the cus- 
tomers. 

Thus did America, by its increase in population, and by 



244 THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

the genius of its sons, ripen for independence. But still 
there was no union : neither danger from abroad, nor Eng- 
lish invasions of liberty, had as yet roused the colonies to 
a common resistance. Not even the proposal to abrogate 
charters could excite a united opposition. When, in 1726, 
the charter of Massachusetts was explained by the act of 
the king, the change was held to require, and it received, 
the assent of the colony. And Massachusetts could but 
submit, when, after a long strife, its territory was unjustly 
abridged in favor of the royal government of New Hamp- 
shire. 

The relations with the Indians had a greater tendenc7 
to effect concert ; they caused a necessity for joint councils; 
and, in 1722, at a congress in Albany, Virginia, as \vell as 
Pennsylvania, was represented by its governor. The ne- 
cessity of common action, for purposes of defence, had led 
even Spotswood, of Virginia, to suggest to the board of trade 
that " the regulation of that assistance should not be left 
to the precarious humor of an assembly." But no attempt 
was made from England to tax America. It is true that, 
in 1728, the profligate Sir William Keith, — once the gover- 
nor of Pennsylvania, and afterwards, for selfish purposes, 
a fiery patriot, boisterous for liberty and property, meaning 
a new issue of paper money, — submitted to the king the 
inquiry, " whether the duties of stamps upon parchment 
and paper in England may not, with good reason, be ex- 
tended by act of parliament to all the American plantations." 
The suggestion, which, probably, was not original with 
Keith, met with no favor from the commissioners of trade. 
The influence of Sir Robert Walpole, disinclined by char- 
acter to every measure of violence, and seeking to conciliate 
the colonies by his measured forbearance, was a guaranty 
against its adoption. " I will leave the taxing of the Brit- ' 
ish colonies" — such are the words attributed to him towards 
the close of his ministry, and such, certainly, were his sen- 
timents — " for some of my successors, who may have more 
courage than I have, and be less a friend to commerce than 
I am. It has been a maxim with me," he added, " during 
my administration, to encourage the trade of the American 



STATE OF THE COLONIES. 172«3. 245 

colonies to the utmost latitude ; nay, it has been necessary 
to pass over some irregularities in their trade with Europe ; 
for, by encouraging them to an extensive, growing foreign 
commerce, if they gain five hundred thousand poimds, 1 
am convinced that, in two years afterwards, full two hun- 
dred and fifty thousand pounds of this gain will be in his 
majesty's exchequer, by the labor and produce of this king- 
dom, as immense quantities of every kind of our manufac- 
tures go thither; and, as they increase in the foreign 
American trade, more of our produce will be wanted. This 
is taxing them more agreeably to their own constitution 
and laws." 

In conformity with this policy, every branch of consump- 
tion was, as far as practicable, secured to English manu- 
facturers; every form of competition in industry, in the 
heart of the plantations, was discouraged or forbidden. In 
the land of furs, it was found that hats were well made ; 
the London company of hatters remonstrated; and their 
craft was protected by an act forbidding hats to be trans- 
ported from one plantation to another. The proprietors of 
English iron works were jealous of American industry ; in 
1719, the house of commons voted a clause that "none in 
the plantations should manufacture iron wares of any kind 
whatsoever;" and the house of peers added a prohibition 
of every " forge going by water for making bar or rod iron." 
The opposition of the northern colonies defeated the bill. 
Of the purpose, which was never abandoned, the mildly- 
conservative Logan plainly saw the tendency. "Some 
talk of an act of parliament," he observed, in 1728, "to 
prohibit our making bar iron, even for our own use. 
Scarce anything could more effectually alienate the minds 
of the people in these parts, and shake their dependence 
upon Britain." 

Before America legislated for herself, the interdict of the 
slave trade was impossible. England was inexorable in 
maintaining the system, which gained new and stronger 
supporters by its excess. The English slave trade began 
to attain its great activity after the Assiento Treaty. From 
1680 to 1700, the English took from Africa about three 
21# 



246 THK COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

hundred thousand negroes, or about fifteen thousand a 
year. The number, during the continuance of the assiento, 
may have averaged not far from thirty thousand. Raynal 
considers the number of negroes exported by all European 
nations from Africa, before 1776, to have been nine millions ; 
and the considerate German historian of the slave trade, 
Albert Hiuie, deems his statement too small. A careful 
analysis of the colored population in America at ditierent 
periods, and the inferences to be deduced from the few 
authentic records of the numbers imported, corrected by a 
comparison with the commercial products of slave labor, 
as appearing in the annals of English commerce, seem to 
prove, beyond a doubt, that even the estimate of Raynal 
is larger than the reality. We shall not err very much, if, 
for tlie century previous to the prohibition of the slave trade 
by the American congress, in 1776, we assume the number 
imported by the English into the Spanish, French, and 
English West Indies, as well as the English continental 
colonies, to have been, collectively, nearly three millions; 
to which are to be added more than a quarter of a million 
purchased in Africa, and thrown into the Atlantic on the 
passage. Tlie gross returns to I'lnglish merchants, for the 
whole traffic in that number of slaves, may have been not 
far from four hundred millions of dollars. Yet, as at least 
one half of the negroes exported from Africa to America 
were carried in English ships, it should be observed that 
this estimate is by far the lowest ever made by any in- 
quirer into the statistics of human wickedness. After 
every deduction, the trade retains its gigantic character of 
crime. 

In an age when the interests of trade guided legislation, 
this branch of commerce possessed paramount attractions. 
English ships, fitted out in English cities, under the special 
favor of the royal family, of the ministry, and of parlia- 
ment, stole from Africa, in the years from 1700 to 17;)0, 
probably a million and a half of souls, of whom one eighth 
were buried in the Atlantic, victims of the passage ; and 
yet in England no public opinion lifted its voice against the 
traffic; no statesman rebuked its enormities; the philoso- 



THE SLAVE TRADE. 1750. 247 

pliy of that day furnished to the African no protection 
aganist oppression; and the interpretation of English com- 
mon law was equally regardless of human freedom. The 
colonial negro, who sailed to the metropolis, found no ben- 
efit from touching the soil of England, but returned a slave. 
Such was the approved law of Virginia in the first half of 
the last century ; such was the opinion of Yorke and Tal- 
bot, the law officers of the crown, as expressed in 1729, 
and, after a lapse of twenty years, repeated and confirmed 
by one of the same authorities, as chancellor of England. 

The influence of the manufacturers was still worse. 
They clamored for the protection of a trade which opened 
to them an African market. Thus the party of the slave 
trade dictated laws to England, A resolve of the commons, 
in the days of William and Mary, proposed to lay open the 
trade in negroes, " for the better supply of the plantations ;" 
and the statute book of England soon declared the opinion 
of its king and its parliament, that " the trade is highly 
beneficial and advantageous to the kingdom and the colo- 
nies." In 17U8, a committee of the house of commons 
report that " the trade is important, and ought to be free;" 
in 1711, a committee once more report that " the planta- 
tions ought to be supplied with negroes at reasonable 
rates," and recommend an increase of the trade. In June, 
1712, Queen Anne, in her speech to parliament, boasts of 
her success in securing to Englishmen a new market for 
slaves in Spanish America. In 1729, George II. recom- 
mended a provision, at the national expense, for the African 
forts ; and the recommendation was followed. At last, in 
1749, to give the highest activity to the trade, every 
obstruction to private enterpri.se was removed, and the ports 
of Africa were laid open to English competition ; for '* the 
slave trade" — such are the words of the statute — "the 
slave trade is very advantageous to Great Britain." " The 
British senate," wrote one of its members, in February, 
17.50, "have this fortnight beet) pondering methods to make 
more effectual that horrid traffic of selling negroes. It lias 
appeared to us thatsix-and-forty thousand of these wretches 
are sold every year to our plantations alone." 



248 THE COLONIAL GOrERNMENTS, 

But, while the partial monopoly of the African company 
was broken down, and the commerce in men was opened 
to the competition of Englishmen, the monopoly of British 
subjects was rigidly enforced against foreigners. That 
Englishmen alone might monopolize all wealth to be derived 
from the trade, Holt and Pollexfen, and eight other judges, 
m pursuance of an order in council, had given their opin- 
ion "that negroes are merchandise," and that therefore the 
act of navigation was to be extended to the English trade 
in them, to the exclusion of aliens. 

The same policy was manifested in the relations between 
the English crown and the colonics. Land from the public 
domain was given to emigrants, in one West India colony 
at least, on condition that the resident owner Avould "keep 
four negroes for every hundred acres." The eighteenth 
century was, as it were, ushered in by the royal instruc- 
tion of Q,ueen Anne to the governor of New York and 
New Jersey, "to give due encouragement to merchants, 
and in particular to the Royal African Company of Eng- 
land." That a similar instruction was given generally, is 
evident from the apology of Spots wood for the small 
importations of slaves into Virginia. In that common- 
wealth, the planters beheld with dismay the increase of 
negroes. A tax checks their importation; and, in 1720, 
Hugh Drysdale, the deputy governor, announces to the 
house that " the interfering interest of the African Company 
has obtained the repeal of that law." Long afterAvards, a 
statesman of Virginia, in full view of the course of colonial 
legislation and English coimteracting authority, unbiased. 
by hostility to England, bore true testimony that " the 
British government constantly checked the attempts of 
Virginia to put a stop to this infernal traffic." On what- 
ever ground Virginia opposed the trade, the censure was 
iust. 

Yet there was one region, in the south of our republic, from 
tvnich it was designed to exclude the African. In 1717, a 
proposal was brought forward to plant a new colony south 
of Carolina, in the region that was heralded as the most 
delightful coimtry of the universe. The land was to be 



THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA. 1733. 249 

tilled by the British and Irish laborers, exclusively, with- 
out " the dangerous help of blackamoors." Three years 
afterwards, in the excited season of English stock-jobbing 
and English anticipations, the suggestion was revived. 
When Carolina became, by purcha.se, a royal province, 
Johnson, its governor, was directed to mark out townships 
as far south as the Altainaha; and, in 17ol, a site was 
chosen for a colony of iSwiss in the ancient land of the 
Yamassees, but on the left bank of the Savannah. The 
coimtry between the two rivers was still a wilderness, over 
which England held only a nominal jurisdiction, when the 
spirit of benevolence formed a partner.sliip with tlie selfish 
passion for extended territory, and, heedless of the objec- 
tion that " the colonies would grow too great" for England, 
"and throw off their dependency," resolved to plant the 
sunny clime with the children of misfortune, — with those 
who in England had neither land nor shelter, and those on 
the continent to whom, as Protestants, bigotry denied free- 
dom of worship and a home. 

While the neighboring province of South Carolina dis- 
played " a universal zeal for assisting its new ally and bul- 
wark," the persecuted Protestants, known to us as Moravi- 
ans, heard the message of hope, and, on the invitation of 
the Society in England for propagating the GosjmsI, pre- 
pared to emigrate to the Savannali. A free passage ; pro- 
visions in Georgia for a whole season ; land for themselves 
and their children, free for ten years, then to be held for a 
small quitrent ; the privileges of native Englishmen ; free- 
dom of worship : — these were the promises made, accepted, 
and honorably fulfilled. On the last day of October, 1733, 
" the evangelical community," — well supplied with Bibles 
and hymn-books, catechisms and books of devotion, — con- 
veying in one wagon their few chattels, in two other 
covered ones their feebler companions, and especially their 
little ones, — after a discourse, and prayer, and benedictions, 
— cheerfully, and in the name of God, began their pilgrim- 
age. History need not stop to tell what charities cheered 
them on their journey, what towns were closed against 
them by Roman Catholic magistrates, or how they entered 



250 THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS. 

Frankfort on the Maine, two by two, in solemn procession, 
singing spiritual songs. As they floated down the Maine, 
and between the castled crags, the vineyards, and the 
white-walled towns that adorn the banks of the Rhine, 
their conversation, amidst hymns and prayers, was of jus- 
tification, and of sanctification, and of standing fast in the 
Lord. At Rotterdam, they Avere joined by two preachers, 
Bolzius and Gronau, both disciplined in charity at the 
Orphan House in Halle. A passage of six days carried 
them from Rotterdam to Dover, where several of the 
trustees visited them, and provided considerably for their 
wants. In January, 1731, they set sail for their new 
homes. 

As they sailed pleasantly, with a favoring breeze, at the 
hour of evening prayer, they made a covenant with each 
other, like Jacob of old, and resolved, by the grace of 
Christ, to cast all the strange gods which were in their 
hearts into the depths of the sea. A storm grew so high 
that not a sail could be set ; and they raised their voices in 
prayer and song amidst the tempest ; for to love the Lord 
Jesus as a brother gave consolation. At Charleston, Ogle- 
thorpe bade them welcome ; and, in five days more, the 
wayfaring men, Avhose home was beyond the skies, pitched 
their tents near Savannah. 

It remained to select for them a residence. To cheer 
their principal men, as they toiled through the forest and 
across brooks. Oglethorpe, having provided horses, himself 
joined the little party. By the aid of blazed trees and 
Indian guides, he made his way through morasses ; a fallen 
tree served as a bridge over a stream, which the horses 
swam, for want of a ford ; at night, he encamped with 
them abroad round a fire, and shared every fatigue, till the 
spot for their village Avas chosen, and, like the little stream 
which formed its border, was named Ebenezer. There 
they built their dwellings, and there they resolved to raise 
a column of stone, in token of gratitude to God, whose 
providence had brought them safely to the ends of the 
earth. 

In February, 1736, a new company of three hundred 



THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA. 1730. 251 

emigrants, conducted by Oglethorpe himself, whose care of 
them, during the voyage, proved him as considerate as he 
was brave, ascended a rising ground, not far from Tybee 
island, " where they all knelt and returned thanks to God 
for having safely arrived in Georgia." Among that group 
was a reenforcement of Moravians — men who had a faith 
above fear; "whose wives and children even were not 
afraid to die;" whose simplicity and solemnity, in their 
conferences and prayers, seemed to revive the primitive 
" assemblies, where form and state were not, but Paul, the 
tent-maker, or Peter, the fisherman, presided with the 
demonstration of the Spirit." There, too, were John and 
Charles Wesley, — the latter selected as the secretary to 
Oglethorpe, the former eager to become an apostle to the 
Indians, — fervent enthusiasts, " whose end in leaving their 
native country was not to gain riches and honor, but singly 
this — to live wholly to the glory of God." Residing in 
America less than two years, tliey neither desired nor exer- 
cised influence in moulding the political institutions of 
Georgia. When afterwards George Whitefield came, his 
intrepid nature did not lose its cheerfulness in the encoun- 
ter with the wilderness ; his eager benevolence, led by the 
example of the Moravians and the fame of the Orphan 
House at Halle, founded and sustained an orphan house at 
Savannah by contributions which his eloquence extorted. 
He became more nearly identified with America, visited all 
the provinces, from Florida to the northern frontier, and 
made his grave in New England ; but he, also, swayed no 
legislatures, and is chiefly remembered for his fervor and 
his power of melting the multitude. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

French Discoveries and Settlements in America. — Voyage of Dt 
Monts — Settlement of Acadia and Canada — Adventures of Champlam 
among the Indians — Discovery of the great lakes — Vicissitudes of the 
French colonies — Expedition to the west by Joliet and Man/uctte — Ad- 
ventures among the Indians — Discovery of the Mississippi — Voyage 
down that river — Return to Canada — Other expeditions of the French 
to the west and south. 

In order to explain the events which led to the French 
and Indian wars, that exercised so important an influence 
on the destinies of the colonies, it will be necessary to go 
back to an early period of the narrative, and give a con- 
nected view of the origin and progress of the French 
power in North America. 

While the English were founding, along the American 
coast, the most flourishing and prosperous colonies of the 
new world, the French were busily pursuing a different 
career. They were penetrating into the immense northern 
interior of America, ascending and descending those 
mighty rivers, and coasting the shores of those boundless 
lakes, which seem to convey to its most inland depths the 
character and the benefits of a maritime region. The 
heads of the French mission, both political and religious, 
engaged in this career, displayed really very great enter- 
prise and address, and effected extensive discoveries with 
much less disaster than might have been expected to 
attend so new a line of discovery, beset with such great 
and singular perils. 

The river St. Lawrence, and generally the more north- 
ern tracts of America, formed the quarter to which the 
French directed their special attention. The transactions 
in Florida, however in some respects glorious, were of too 



VOYAGE OF DE MONTS. 1004. 253 

tragic a character, and the pretensions of Spain on tliat 
side too formidable, to make any farther attempts be felt 
as safe or eligible. The naval energies of England, and 
the tide of emigration produced by her religious dissen- 
sions, had enabled her to preoccupy all the middle regions 
of the continent. The early discoveries of Cartier had 
turned the eyes of France towards the St. Lawrence, and 
established her claim to it, according to that peculiar code 
by which Europeans have chosen to apportion among 
themselves the rest of mankind. Although Canada had 
scarcely any measure of the smiling and luxuriant aspect 
of Florida, or even of Virginia, yet it opened into regions 
of vast extent ; and the tracing to its distant fountains this 
sea-like abyss of waters, presented more than common 
attraction to curiosity and adventure. 

At this time, the only mode in which it was conceived 
that the regions of the newly-discovered world could be 
peopled, was by sovereign and exclusive companies. In 
fact, when we consider the perilous and doubtful charac- 
ter of those early adventures, — that fleets were to be 
equipped, towns built, wastes cultivated, and too probably 
war waged, — a much more than ordinary temptation was 
required. The want of rivalry, however, could not fail, 
according to universal experience, to have a most paralyz- 
ing effect on the energies of these companies. They, 
indeed, were likely to be bold and adventurous spirits, 
who songht to range in such a spliere ; yet favor, ratlier 
than merit, formed too often the principles upon which the 
selection was made. 

We liavc already mentioned the unsuccessful attempts 
of Cartier, and other Frenchmen, to establish settlements 
in North America. A more splendid and vigorous attempt 
was made by De Monts, a gentleman of Saintonge, and a 
Calvinist. He was invested by the court with the same 
extensive and exclusive rights, so lavishly bestowed on 
all who would engage in the arduous career of transatlantic 
adventure. He even obtained free permission to exercise his 
own religion ; oddly combined, howcvSr, with an engage- 
ment to initiate the savages in the mysteries of puic 
22 



254 FBKNCH DISCOVERIES ANP SETTLEMENTS. 

Catholicism. He equipped an expedition, really on a large 
scale, comprising no less than forty vessels. His commis- 
sion extended from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degree of 
north latitude, including thus the whole of New England, 
not yet occupied by any other potentate. De Monts sailed 
to America in 1604. He spent a long time in surveying 
the coast as far as Cape Cod, without well knowing where 
to fix ; and he is supposed in the end not to have made a 
happy choice. He settled on the little island of St. Croix, 
fertile indeed, but which, in winter, afforded neither wood 
nor fresh water ; and he removed afterwards to Port 
Royal, now Annapolis. This country, however, fulfilled 
none of those hopes of rapid wealth, under the influence 
of which most o( the adventurers had been attracted 
thither. With difficulty it Avas made to yield the necessa- 
ries of life ; and the fur-trade was very limited, when 
compared with that which could be carried on in the upper 
part of the St. Lawrence. De IMonts was, moreover, ac- 
cused of riding on the top of his very ample commission, 
by capturing indiscriminately every vessel which ap- 
proached the wide limits of the coast conveyed over to 
him ; and it was but a derisive compensation which he 
sometimes offered, of giving their names to the point of the 
coast at which they had been seized. Complaints were 
made, that the Newfoundland fishery, a great source of 
national wealth, could no longer, on De Monts' account, 
be carried on Avith any safety. The king listened to the 
cry of the fishers, and deprived him of his commission, 
granting him only a small compensation. The company, 
however, continued under other auspices ; but, finding 
that Acadia, as they had called their present settlement, 
offered none of the advantages sought for, they gradually 
moved over to Tadousac, on the St. Lawrence, a little 
below the future station of Quebec. At length, the Eng- 
lish, having appropriated to themselves this part of the con- 
tinent, under the title of Nova Scotia, sent an expedition 
of three vessels, which rooted out all that remained of the 
French settlements and possessions, and sent the occu- 
pants prisoners to Virginia. The French made repeated 



Hennepin's voyage down the Mississippi. — icso. 2G3 

the 25th of the same month. Nor is it incredible, that three 
men could work a canoe, with the rapid current of the 
Mississippi, from the mouth of the Illinois to the Halize, in 
sixteen days. On his return, he asserts that he ascended 
the river to the falls of St. Anthony. 




, Falls of St. Anthony, 

He revisited Canada, and embarked immediately for 
France. He there publislied his travels in the most splen- 
did manner, dedicating his work to the great Colbert. In 
this work the country is called Louisiana, in honor of 
Louis XIV., the reigning monarch of France. 

Various attempts have been made, from the discrepan- 
cies and exaggerations in this book, to tlirow doubt upon 
the whole asserted fact of his having ever descended the 
Mississippi to its mouth. Be that as it may, M. de La 
Salle, delighted with the country on the Illinois, made use 
of every exertion, which his exhausted means would allow, 
to furnish another expedition for the Mississippi. A num- 
ber of adventurers were found willing to push their hopes 
and fortunes in the discovery of unknown countries. With 
them he arrived, in 1683, on the Mississippi. He founded 
the villages of Cahokia and Kaskaskia, and some otPier 
small establishments, on this descent, and these are the 



2G4 



FRENCH DISCOVEKIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 



oklost places in the western states; although Detroit is 
supposed to have been Ibuncled about 16S0. 

He lelt his iViend, M. de Tonti, in the conunand of these 
establishments. He returned to Canada, and thence made 
all haste to France, in order to procure the cooperation of 
the French ministry with his views. 

One of his lirst objects was to convince the ministry of 
the existence of that astonishing inland water connnunica- 
tion, which nature has furnished between the river St. 
Lawrence and the gulf of Mexico, which binds these distant 
points together by an almost unbroken chain of nearly four 
thousand miles in length. He tirst comprehended the 
}>lan, upon which the French government afterwards so 
steadily acted, of drawing a strong line of connnunication 
from one point to the other, and thus insulating the Eng- 
lish settlements within this impassable barrier. As estab- 
lishments were thus already formed on the upper Missis- 
sippi, it was a part of tliis plan to connnence settlements 
at the mouth of this river. 




Building of Detroit. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — La Salle''s 
second expedition and death — Fate of the colony at St. Bernard — Pun- 
ishment of the murderers of La Salle — Colony on the Arkansas — Sin- 
gular death of Man/uette — Jealousy of the Spaniards — S^dtkments 
made hj them in Florida — Expedition of Ihherville to Louisiana — Inter- 
course until the savages — Ibherville ascends the Mississippi — Establishes 
a settlement at Bilozi — War ivilh the Chichasaics — Arrival of French 
missionaries in Louisiana — Proposed emigration from, Carolina — 
Bienville appointed Lieutenant Commandant — Mining schemes of the 
French — Intercourse loith the Natchez — Expedition in search of mines. 

La Salle obtained from Louis XIV, an order to fit out an 
armament for discovering the mouth of the Mississippi. 
Tiie command was given to him, and he sailed in the 
month of August, 1684. He steered too far to the west- 
ward to reach the mouth of the Mississippi, and made 
land in a bay, which he called St. Louis, and which is 
now called the bay of St. Bernard. It is something more 
than one hundred leagues west of the Balize, in latitude 
29° 20' N, He lost one of his vessels on the bar at the 
entrance of this bay. He finally succeeded in landing his 
followers on the banks of the river Cluadaloupe, a stream 
of the present province of Texas. The adventurers were 
protected in some measure from the continual assaults of 
the savages by a fort, which he erected for them. But, in 
addition to their exposure to the Indians, they were assail- 
ed by sickness, and their situation was inconceivably 
lonely and desolate. 

The efforts which this brave man made to rescue thiis 
little colony, which had thus followed his fortunes over 
the sea, and into the wilderness, from impending destruc- 
tion, are almost incredible. Once he started, with twenty 
23 



266 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH- 

men, in hopes they might reach the Mississippi, and 
the settlement under M. de Tonti, in the IlUnois. He 
advanced a great distance among the Indians. They 
received his men kindly, and four of them deserted, and 
joined the savages. He was compelled by sickness and 
desertion to return to the fort, discouraged and weakened. 
But he soon regained courage, to renew the attempt to 
make his way over land tx) the Illinois. They wandered 
through the unknown prairies and forests, and crossed the 
lakes and rivers, for two months. La Salle halted, to 
allow his men some repose from their incessant toils. They 
encamped in a beautiful place, where game abounded, and 
where the Indians welcomed their arrival. The soldiers 
had heard of the desertion of their companions, on the former 
trip. They contemplated, on the one hand, the life of toil 
before them, and, on the other, the fancied happiness of 
those who had already deserted to dwell among the 
Indians. The indolence and licentiousness of a life so 
passed among the savages, contrasted in their minds with 
the incessant toil of civilized life. They were of the hun- 
gry rabble from the populace of a French city. They 
determined to desert, and join the Indians. To treachery 
they added the most cruel assassination. They ambus- 
caded a party, sent out by La Salle to hunt, among whom 
was his nephew, and slew them, to prevent their opposing 
any obstacle to their desertion. La Salle observed the 
mutinous spirit of these men, and became uneasy about 
the fate of the hunting party, which had delayed its return 
beyond the appointed time. With gloomy presentiments 
he departed, to search for his lost companions. He soon 
found their dead bodies. The mutineers fired upon him, 
and he fell. But history has not clearly ascertained where 
this patriarch of Louisiana, illustrious by his merits, his 
misfortunes, his adventures, and his discoveries, laid his 
bones. Of the colony planted at St. Bernard, we may here 
remark, that of those that remained, part fell by the sav- 
ages, and the remainder was carried away, in 1689, by a 
detachment of Spaniards from Coahuila, in New Leon. 
The mutineers, as might be expected, soon quarrelled 



IBBERVILLE's expedition to LOUISIANA. 1698. 267 

among themselves. In the quarrel, the two murderers of 
M. La Salle experienced the reaction of justice, and were 
slain in their turn. Two priests of the party became pen- 
itent at having winked at the assassination, and have fur- 
nished us with the account which we have given. Seven 
only remained. With the two priests at their head, and 
aided by various savage tribes on their way, they finally 
reached the Arkansas, where they found a French colony, 
consisting of emigrants from Canada, already settled. 
Charlevoix throws a melancholy interest over the fate of 
the other great discoverer of Louisiana, father Marquette. 
Previous to his discovery of the Mississippi, he had been a 
laborious and faithful missionary in Canada. After that 
discovery, he was still prosecuting his travels with great 
ardor. On his way from Chicago to Michilimackinack, 
he entered a river which bore his name. He requested his 
followers to land, intimating that he had a presentiment 
that he should end his days there. He landed, erected an 
altar, said mass, and retired a little distance, as he said, to 
offer thanks to God, and requested that he might be left 
alone for half an hour. When they returned, he had 
expired. The place is not known where • Marquette is 
interred. 

It is sufficiently obvious, with how much jealousy the 
Spaniards regarded the progress of the French in Louisi- 
ana. A number of Spanish establishments in East Florida 
had existed for a considerable time. They afterwards 
founded Pensacola, in West Florida. It was evidently 
intended simply as a military post, and its erection was an 
obvious indication that they intended to watch and over- 
awe the French in that quarter. Every circumstance, 
tending to illustrate the actual progress of founding French 
colonies in Louisiana, must have a certain degree of interest 
in the history of that country. We come now to an era in 
which that founding may be said to have been fairly com- 
menced. In touching on this period, something more of 
detail seems to be requisite. 

On the 16th of September, 1698. two frigates left Roche- 
fort for Louisiana ; the Badine, of thirty guns, commanded 



268 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

by M. Ibbcrville, and manned with two hundred men, and 
the Marin, of thirty guns, conmianded by M. le Comte do 
Lugerc. On the 4th of December, they arrived at St. 
Domingo, at the French post commanded by M. Ducasse, 
There they found M. le Marquis dc Chateau Morant, who 
connnanded a vessel of fifty guns. He had instructions, by 
which he was ordered to escort the two frigates to the 
mouth of the Mississippi. By order of the king, Ibberville 
took with him liaurcncillo, a man who had rendered him- 
self famous by having taken Vera Cruz by surprise some 
years before. They set sail on the first day of the year, 
1G99, and on the 25th of the month of January they 
reached the Isle de St. Rose. On the 26th, they recon- 
noitered the bay of Pensacola, and saw there two Spanish 
ships. On sending two officers to them, it was found that 
the Spanish had established themselves there, some months 
before, and immediately after it had been known to them 
that a French armament was fitting out for this coast. 
The Spanish commandant at Pensacola received them 
well, but would not permit their vessels to enter the 
harbor. The fleet continued its voyage, and, on the 31st 
of the month, came to anchor near Dauphine island. 
This place they called Isle de Massacre, from the circum- 
stance that they found it strewed with the bones of 
savages, who had been slain in a great recent battle with 
their enemies. They saw and named the Isle de la 
Chandelier, on this coast. On the 11th of February, Ib- 
berville despatched a felucca with a canoe to the main 
land, which was about four leagues distant. They found 
a bay, in which \vere seven canoes filled with savages, 
who fled with the greatest consternation at their approach. 
On the 12th, they contrived to intercept a woman of the 
savages, by whom they were enabled to open an inter- 
course with her nation, which was the Biloxis, which 
name they gave to the bay. They took on board four of 
these savages, M. de Bienville remaining on shore, as a 
hostage for their safety. On the same evening, there 
arrived at the bay a party of eighty Pascagoulas, who 
were then at war with the Mobile Indians. All that they 



IBBEBVILLE ASCENDS THE MISSISSIPPI. 1699. 269 

could learn of these latter was, what the Indian language 
of signs always enables them to explain, that they dwelt 
on the shores of a large river, farther to the southwest. 
Ibberville and Bienville embarked again in a felucca, with 
thirty men, accompanied by Father Anasta.se, who had been 
the companion of La Salle in his discoveries. Their object 
was to find the mouth of the Mississippi. 

On the 2d day of March, they entered the mouth of a 
great river, in which, from its turbid and boiling waters, 
the Father thought he recognised the Mississippi. They 
immediately began to ascend the river, and at the end of 
seven days had mounted forty leagues. Here they dis- 
covered three periogues of savages, who fled at their 
approach. One of them was overtaken ; and they made 
him some trifling presents, which gained his good will, and 
induced him to bring back his comrades. Tliey were the 
Pascagoulas, and very readily conducted the French to 
their villages. On the 13th, they met, on a stream of the 
Mississippi, some periogues of Indians, belonging to tribes 
settled on tliis stream. Their numbers amounted to seven 
or eight hundred men. On the 14th. they arrived among 
the Pascagoulas, whose force was about one hundred 
warriors. Among them were found stuffs of European 
fabric, given them by La Salle. These Indians received 
them kindly, and, among other things, gave them some 
fowls, which they said had been reared from those which 
they had received from nations west of the Mississippi, 
near the sea-shore. The tradition of their origin was, that, 
four years previous, a ship had been cast ashore on that part 
of the coast, whose crew had all perished but three, who 
had been destroyed by the savages. A few domestic fowls 
had gained the shore from that ship, from which these 
among the savages had originated. 

Ibberville was still uncertain whether the river which 
he was ascending was actually the Mississippi or not. 
He had not yet seen the tribe of the Tangipoos, of whom 
memorable mention had been made by La Salle. It was 
soon found that this tribe had been destroyed by another, 
called the Mongoulachas. Bienville found in the basket 
23* 



270 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

of one of these savages a paper, upon which the names of 
many individuals, belonging to the detachment of La 
Salle, were written, and a letter, addressed to M. de Tonti, 
from which he learned, that, having heard from Canada of 
his departure from France, he had descended to the sea 
with twenty Canadians and thirty Shawanese from the river 
Wabash. This discovery dissipated all uncertainty re- 
specting the river they were on; and they ascertained 
that La Salle had supposed the mouth of the river to be 
nearly in latitude 30°. Among these nations they found a 
suit of Spanish armor, inscribed Ferdinand de Soto. 

On the ISth, they passed the Baton Rouges, Avhere was 
established a limit which bounded the hunting-grounds of 
the Pascagoulas. Further up they came to a point where 
the river made a bend or circuit of twelve leagues. Ibber- 
ville cut down trees, and crossed his periogues to the other 
point. The river has since cut itself a passage through 
this point, and it is now the well-known " Point Coupee." 
On the 20th, they arrived at a village of the Houmas, who 
welcomed them with dances, and, in token of amity, made 
them acquainted witli the Indian ceremony, since so well 
known, of smoking' the calumet of peace. This village was 
composed of three hundred and sixty warriors ; and here, 
too, were found domestic fowls, though the Indians had 
not yet begun to use them as an article of food. 

Here Ibberville, learning that there was a bayou, which 
he might reach by a small portage from the river, and 
down which he might descend through lakes and streams 
to the sea, left the river with two canoes and a guide, send- 
ing Bienville down the river with the periogues, to meet 
him again at Isle de Vasseau. On the 29th, he arrived at 
Isle de Vasseau, and met M. D' Ibberville, who had arrived 
at the same place before him, through the bayou Ibberville 
or Manshac, and the two lakes, which he named Maurepas 
and Pontchartrain. 

On the r2th of April, Ibberville explored a bay, situated 
nine leagues from Isle de Vasseau, to which he gave the 
name of St. Louis. He would have planted his colony 
here ; but there was not Avater enough at the entrance ot 



1 



IBBERVILLE's expedition. 1699. 271 

the bay for vessels of much draft. He concluded to plant 
his establishment at Biloxi, — a healthy spot, but, as we 
have remarked, comparatively sterile. Here he built a fort 
of four bastions of logs, upon which he mounted twelve 
pieces of cannon ; and this is the era of the commencement 
of French establishments in this quarter. With this colony 
he left provisions for four months, twenty-five soldiers, and 
a few Canadians and Buccaneers, leaving the command 
of it to M. de Sarol and M. de Bienville, and set sail for 
France. On the 22d of May, Bienville set out on an 
exploring trip, in the course of which he learned that two 
hundred Chickasaws, with two white men, supposed to be 
English, had fallen upon and destroyed a village of the 
Collapissas, in their neighborhood. On the 9th of June, 
he set out with two canoes, and passed Pascagoula river 
and Mobile" point, and approached so near Pensacola that 
he could perceive it was still occupied by the Spaniards. 
On the 1st of July, the fort was gladdened with the arrival 
of two canoes of birch bark, in which were many Cana- 
dians, under the command of two priests de la mission. 
They came from Canada by the way of the Illinois ; and, 
having learned from the Houmas that the French were 
established near the sea, they concluded to descend the 
river and seek them. On the 11th, the two priests, named 
Montiguy and Davion, departed to establish a mission 
among the Conicas, who inhabited the banks of the 
Yazoo. 

About this time, Bienville discovered in the Mississippi, 
at a distance of twenty-eight leagues from the sea, an 
English vessel, commanded by Captain Ban, and which 
had left a consort at the mouth of the river. Their inten- 
tion was to explore the country, and, in the course of the 
season, to return with a larger armament and plant a 
colony. On board this vessel there was a Protestant 
Frenchman, who gave in secret a packet to Bienville, 
addressed to the king of France, in which he assured his 
majesty, that, if he would accord liberty of conscience to a 
colony in this country, more than four hundred families 
would emigrate from Carolina. The packet was sent to 



272 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

M. de Pontchartrain, who returned for answer, that his 
majesty had not expelled heretics from his kingdom to 
establish them in a republic in the new Avorld. The Eng- 
lish captain was in doubt whether he was in the Missis- 
sippi or not; and Bienville, glad to avail himself of his 
ignorance, assured him that this was not the Mississippi, 
and that the river which he sought was much farther to 
the westward, and that the river in which he was sailing 
was within the limits of a country of which he had taken 
possession, in the name of his most Christian majesty, and 
that the whole country was called Canada. By this 
policy, Bienville induced the English to desist from taking 
possession, and to turn about; and this point has borne 
the name of the " English Turn" from that circumstance. 
On the 8th of December, there arrived at Isle de Vasseaii 
two ships, the Renomm^ of fifty guns, and the Gironde of 
forty-six. There came in them sixty Canadians, intend- 
ing to explore the country more fully. By them, also, 
M. de Bienville received a commission, as lieutenant com- 
mandant of the colony. There arrived, also, in these ves- 
sels a Mr. de Scucr, with thirty miners. He had been an 
extensive traveller in Canada, and was sent here on the 
part of M. de Shuillicr, to form an establishment near the 
sources of the Mississippi. The object was to dig from 
a mine of '•'■ terre verie,^^ which M. de Shuillier had discov- 
ered. M. de Scuer, by order of M. Frontenac, governor 
general of Canada, constructed a fort on an island in the 
Mississippi, two hundred leagues above the mouth of the 
Illinois. This fort was intended to awe and keep in order 
the different tribes of savages who inhabit the western 
shores of lake Superior and the sources of the Mississippi. 
On his return to Montreal, he took with him a chief of the 
Sauteurs, and one of the Sioux, or Dacotas. They were 
the hrst of their respective nations who had ever been seen 
in Canada. They were received with great kindness by 
the governor, who hoped to be able to open -a useful com- 
merce with them. Two days after their arrival, they 
presented the governor as many arrows as they hod war- 
riors in their tribe. It is astonishing how soon the French 



THE NATCHEZ INDIANS. 1700. 273 

gained an influence over the savages in the valley of the 
Mississippi. 

Ibberville, having been informed of an attempt of the 
EngHsh to form an establishment on the Mississippi, de- 
termined to anticipate them in this purpose. He took with 
him fifty Canadians, two small vessels loaded with provi- 
sions, and two small chaloitpes^ and embarked, January 
15th, 1700, for the Mississippi. In a favorable position, 
and on a point of the bank above the inundation, he built 
a fort eighteen leagues above the Balize. 

On the 8th of March, Ibberville and Bienville set out for 
the Natchez, and another nation of Indians, situated on a 
lake southwest of the Mississippi. They found there a 
missionary, who had just arrived among them from Can- 
ada. The great sun-chief of the Natchez came in great 
state to the French, borne on a litter, and accompanied by 
six hundred men. They observed in this chief a higher 
degree of native politeness and dignity than they had yet 
observed among any of the savages. His authority seemed 
to be despotic. It was the custom, on the death of a chief 
of his standing, for his wives and domestics to devote 
themselves to death, in order to serve him in the other 
world. There were then among them seventeen of this 
high rank, supposed to be descended from the sun. 
Their traditions stated that there had formerly been nine- 
teen hundred such. They stated that their population 
had once exceeded two hundred thousand. They pre- 
served in the temple of the sun perpetual fire ; and on the 
rude altar of this temple they offered the first fruits of their 
harvests and their huntings. They believed that, after 
death, brave warriors, who had killed many men and buf- 
faloes, would dwell in a delightful country in the land of 
souls, where buffaloes were plenty, and all kinds of pro- 
visions in abundance ; while they wlio had never killed a 
man, would be condemned to a country of marshes and 
lakes, where all their subsistence would be upon alligators 
and fish. We may remark, in passing, that the whole 
course of the Mississippi, at this period, was through a 
country full of bufl"aloes and other game ; and this accounts 



274 



SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 



for lliR easy manner in wliich the French voyageurs sup- 
plied themselves witli provisions. It happened that, while 
the French -vvcre among the Natchez, the lightning strnck 
their temple and destroyed it. In order to appease the 
"Great Spirit," whose anger, they inferred, was thus 
directed against them, they sacrificed four children in the 
flames, and would have offered up more victims, but lor 
the determined opposition of the French. 




Indian council. 



On the 22d, Bienville commenced an exploring ex: edi- 
tion westward, to discover, if possible, the distance between 
his establishments and those of the Spanish. Ibberville 
started on the same day for the sea. When he had arrived 
at Isle de Vasseau, he learned that the Spanish governor 
of Pensacc^a had been there with a twenty-fom- gun ship, 
manned with one hundred and forty men, and some cha- 
lonpes, intending to drive the Frencli from the coast. 
Finding himself unable to execute his design, he had 
entered a formal protest in writing against the establish- 
ment of the French in this part of the country. He 
alleged, that it was included within the limits of his Cath- 
olic majesty's dominions in Mexico. 

About the middle of May, Bienville returned from his 



THE FRENCH IN FLORIDA. 1702. 



275 



•wftsicm expedition. He had ascended the Washita to a 
considerable distance ; had crossed from that river to Red 
river ; and had returned by the latter river, without hav- 
ing seen any traces of the Spanish on his route. He had 
passed through a fertile countr}^, and a great many small 
tribes of Indians, particularly the Natchitoches. On the 
28th of May, Ibberville set sail for France, having previ- 
ously appointed Bienville commander of the fort which he 
had constructed on the Mississippi. 

On the ISth of December, Ibberville arrived in these 
waters from France, with an armament, consisting of the 
Renomme, a fifty gun ship, and the Palmier of forty-four, 
and a brigantine. It was a most fortunate event to the 
colony at Biloxi, whose numbers were diminished to one 
hundred and fifty, and had been reduced to such straits, as 
to have lived for some time entirely on maize. By these 
vessels Bienville had orders to evacuate the establishment 
at Biloxi, and create one in place of it on Mobile river. 
Accordingly, on the 5th of January, 17U2, he departed 




Falmetto glade, Florida. 



for Mobile, leaving only twenty soldiers at Biloxi. On the 
16th of the month, Bienville fixed the projected establish- 



276 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

mcnt about eighteen leagues from the sea, on Mobile river, 
where he formed a depot, and erected a fort. 

About this time, an important exploring trip was under- 
taken from Canada to a point of the Mississippi as high 
as the St. Peter's. The object was to discover mines. 
Incredible stories were in circulation, respecting the abun- 
dance of copper and copper ore in those regions. The 
** tcrre verte^^ had been supposed to be an ore of that metal. 
The imaginations of all the European people had been 
inflamed by the Spanish success in obtaining the precious 
metals in Mexico and Peru. Most of the expeditions that 
had yet been undertaken in the Mississippi valley, had 
originated, more or less, in the hope of finding mines. The 
history of these times relates an amusing story of an impos- 
tor, who took- advantage of the eager credulity of the 
people, on the score of mines, and pretended to have dis- 
covered one of unexampled richness on the Missouri. The 
French had long been perfectly acquainted with the lead 
mines of that region. But their imaginations had not yet 
been sufficiently corrected by experience, to be satisfied 
Avith the slow but certain gains of lead mines. The expe- 
dition in question to St. Peter's had for object, to dig the 
" terre verte^'' and make further discoveries in that quarter. 

In the journal of this establishment we have a tolerably 
accurate account, as it has been subsequently corrected 
by experience, of the Sioux, and the barbarous names of 
their tribes and divisions ; and we have very striking evi- 
dences of the politic and judicious measures, by which the 
French acquired such a surprising ascendancy over sav- 
ages a thousand leagues from their establishments. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — Estahlishmcnt 
of the French at Mobile — War with England — Siege of St. Augus- 
tine and Pensacola — Hostilities between the ChorJaws and Chickasaivs — 
Massacres by the savages — Abandonment of the settlements on the Illi- 
nois — Plunder of Isle au Dauphine by a buccaneer — La Motte, governor 
of Louisiana — Encroachments by the English of Carolina — Expedition 
of the French to the Wabash — Missions among the savages — UEpig- 
nai, governor of Louisiana — Foundation of New Orleans — War with 
Spain — Pensacola taken l/y the French — Slaves imported into Louisiana 
— Recapture of Pensacola — Second capture of Pensacola by the French — 
Expedition of Bernard de LaHarpe to the interior — Description of the 
Indian tribes. 

On the 19th of March, 1702, the French estabhshed them- 
selves at the fort on Mobile river, and transported thither 
all the provisions and munitions which had hitherto been 
kept on Dauphine island. At this time Ibberville was 
enabled to make peace between the Choctaws and Chick- 
asaws. On the 24th of June, a Spanish chaloupe arrived 
from Pensacola at the fort on the Mobile, having on board 
the son of the viceroy of Mexico, wlio brought a letter from 
Don Francisco Martin, governor of Pensacola, stating that 
his garrison was in a state of famine, and requesting a sup- 
ply of provisions. On the 1st of October, arrived at tlie 
fort M. Davion, a missionary, with two Canadians from 
the Yazoo river, accompanied also with Father Limoge, 
whose colleague missionary had been recently assassinated 
by some young savages, whom he had taken for guides. 
On the 11 th November, Don Martin arrived from Pensa- 
cola with the news that France and Spain were at war 
with England. He requested provisions and munitions ; 
and, in consequence of the union of the two powers in the 
old world, they were granted him. 

On the 28th of November, two Spani.sh officers arrived 
24 



278 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

from St. Augustine, in East Florida, with a letter from the 
governor of that colony, stating that St. Augustine was 
besieged by an English force, with a fleet of seventeen ves- 
sels, and aided by two thousand savages. Bienville sent 
him an ample supply of munitions of war. On the 2d of 
January, 1703, they learned by letter from Pensacola, that 
this town, which had also been assailed by the English, 
still held out against them. It was afterwards succoured by 
a fleet from Havana; and the English, in sailing away 
from the coast, lost two of their largest vessels. Notwith- 
standing the jealousies of rival colonies so near each other, 
and with conflicting claims, it appears that the French 
and Spanish mutually aided each other with provisions, 
munitions, and various helps, for a considerable period. 
The greatest scourge of the Spaniards, about this period, 
was the hostility of the Indians, aided, and sometimes 
headed, by the English from Carolina. 

On the 24th of July, 1704, arrived from France the Peli- 
can, a fifty gun ship. She brought out two companies of 
soldiers, four priests, and twenty-four poor girls, who were 
all immediately married to the French colonists. The col- 
ony sufiered severely, the next month, from sickness and 
mortality. On the 27th of November, news arrived from 
Pensacola that the fort there was reduced to ruin, and 
their clothes, stuffs and provisions destroyed by fire ; and 
with a request that the French would aid them with a 
schooner, to carry tidings of their disaster to Vera Cruz. 
On the 11th of December, news arrived that the English 
were fitting out an armament at Charleston against the 
French establishments on the Mobile and vicinity. On the 
2Sth of January, 1705, M. de liambert arrived from the 
French post on the Wabash, which he had abandoned in 
consequence of the dread of the hostile incursions of the 
savages. On the 13th of February, they were informed 
that the Chickasaws had enslaved and sold a number of 
families of the Choctaws, who had visited them in good 
faith, and in time of peace, to the English, and that this 
treachery had brought on a war between those two tribes. 
There were at this time more than seventy Chickasaws, of 



THE FRENCH ON THE MISSISSIPPI. — 1706. 279 

both sexes, at the post on the Mobile. They found them- 
selves in a state of the greatest embarrassment, inasmuch 
as they were obhged to traverse the country of the Choc- 
taws in returning to their own country. In their distress, 
they besought Bienville to escort them with a detachment 
of soldiers, and he consented. With a captain and twenty- 
five French soldiers to protect them, the savages set out on 
their return, and reached the Choctaw village about the 
last of the month. The Choctaw chiefs assured them that 
they would not oppose their return to their homes, and 
only claimed the privilege of reproaching them for their 
perfidy, in the hearing of the French. The Choctaw chief 
then placed himself in the centre of a large, open space, 
and invited the Chickasaws to come out, and seat them- 
selves round him, and hearken to what he should say to 
them. They were permitted to hold their knives in their 
hands, and their guns in readiness. Three thousand 
Choctaw warriors then surrounded them, in an immense 
circle. The chief began his harangue, reproaching them 
in cutting terms with their crimes and perfidy ; informing 
them that if the French still took any interest in their 
concerns, they would cease to do it when they should have 
become acquainted with their falsehood and cruelty. 
When he had poured out all his invectives, he gave the sig- 
nal for their death. He lowered his calumet, which he 
had hitherto held erect, and they were all instantaneously 
despatched. Many of the Choctaws were killed by the 
shots of their own people, from their having formed too 
narrow a circle. Bienville himself was slightly wounded 
by a chance ball ; and was escorted back to the Mobile by 
three hundred Choctaw warriors. 

On the 16th of January, 1706, Father Garcia, a Jesuit, 
arrived from the Illinois with the intelligence that the Illi- 
nois Indians had shown so much hostility, that he was 
obliged to abandon his establishment. On the 21st, a 
peace was brought about between the Chickasaws and 
Choctaws, by Bienville. About this time, died Ibberville, 
who had been a great benefactor and patron to this colony. 
He died on an expedition from France to the West Indies. 



280 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

On the 1st of January, 1707, intelligence was brought that 
the Frencli missionary among the Natchez had been slain, 
together with three other Frenchmen, by the Chettimaches, 
as they were descending to the sea. Presents were imme- 
diately sent to all the surrounding nations, to induce them 
to declare war upon that tribe. 

About this time, an English buccaneer, with a party, 
made a descent upon Isle an Dauphiuc, and pillaged it to 
the amount of iifty thousand dollars. March, 1711, was 
remarkable for an inundation of the river Mobile, by winch 
the site of the fort was overflowed. The establishment 
was moved, in consequence, eighteen leagues higher up 
the river. 

In May, 1713, a vessel arrived from France, bringing out 
M. de La Motte Cadilla, who had been appointed governor 
of Louisiana, and with him the other ofliccrs of his gov- 
ernment. At this time, the census of the colony gives 
about four hundred souls, among whom were twenty blacks. 
They possessed about three hundred horned cattle. This 
arrival of La Motte would have had a most salutary bear- 
ing on the interests of the rising colony, if he and Bienville 
liad acted in concert. Hut lliey were mutually jealous of 
each other, and each had his party. A spirit of jealousy 
was thus originated, fatal to the interests of the establish- 
ment. 

About this time, the French began to suffer from the 
encroachments of the English from Carolina, who had been 
successful in insinuating themselves into the aftections of 
the savages, and in stirring them up in opposition to the 
French. Mr. Young, an English oflicer from Carolina, 
came through all the nations to the Natchez by land, con- 
tracting alliances with the Indians on his route. Learning 
this, the commandant at the Mobile post despatched a mil- 
itary guard in a periogue, which met Young at Manshac, 
and brought him prisoner to Mobile, from which place he 
was sent to Pensacola. 

In February, 1716, Bienville, according to an order re- 
ceived from the king of France, departed up the Mississippi, 
to establish forts at Natchez, and even as high as the 



STATE OF LOUISIANA. 1717. 281 

Wabash. At Natchez he learned that five French had been 
slain, and that six more were still prisoners in the hands 
of that nation. He dissembled hi.s knowledge of the matter, 
until he had persuaded the sun and war chief to meet in 
conference, in which they gave up their six prisoners. He 
then reproached them with their murders, and refused to 
treat with them until the authors shouJd be given up to 
him. They replied, that it was impossible for sun chiefs 
and men of valor thus to give up their people. Upon this 
they were immediately imprisoned, and thrown into irons. 
The next day, the prisoner chiefs, to the number of seven- 
teen, requested permission to send a deputation to their 
brother, the grand chief, desiring him to send the head of 
the chief. White-head, who was the principal murderer. 
To this Bienville consented. The deputation returned, 
not with the head of the chief, but with another chief, 
who was willing to devote himself to death, instead of that 
chief. This and similar offers Bienville refused. 

By one of these embassies he received a letter from a 
Canadian among the Natchez, informing him that six pe- 
riogues of his comrades were on their way down the river, 
and that, ignorant of this rupture, they would fall into the 
hands of the savages. Bienville immediately despatched 
a canoe up the river, which passed the village unperceived, 
and advertised the Canadians of their danger. In this 
interval numbers of the Natchez came and offered them- 
selves to die with the chiefs, that they might attend them 
in the other world. Bienville finally proposed peace to 
them, on condition that they would put to death Big-beard, 
one of the murderers, and build a fort for the French ; with 
which terms they complied. 

On the 26th of October, M. de St. Denis, after having 
traversed the country to Mexico, arranged a plan, in con- 
cert with the viceroy of that country, to establish missions 
among the savages at Nacogdoches, Adayes and Ayache, 
among the several nations of those names. In the month 
of January, 1717, M. de La Motte sent a sergeant and six 
soldiers to take possession of the island of Natchitoches 
24* 



282 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

in Red river, upon which it was supposed the Spaniards 
had a desic;n. 

On the •Ith of March, M. do La Motte was reheved from 
his command by M. de L'Kpigiiai, wlio arrived from 
France witli throe ships and three companies of infantrv'. 
In August, a census gave tlie colony seven lumdred souls 
and four hundred honied cattle. Hitherto agriculture, the 
most essential of all the interests of a colony, had been 
almost totally neglected, and the colony had felt the ruinous 
edects of snch neglect. It was now proposed to settle on 
the Mississippi, and raise provisions for the consumption 
of the colony. The raising of articles for export, such as 
silk, indigo, rice, tobacco, and other articles, was also pro- 
posed. It was thonght, too, that they could furnish the 
parent country with pitch, tar, and other naval supplies. 

During this year, 1717, Bienville, in searching for a 
suitable place on the Mississippi, to be the central spot of 
the new agricultural colony, selected the spot on which 
New Orleans now stands, at something more than thirty 
leagues from the sea. He left fifty men there to make a 
cleaiiug and to put up buildings. In August, an arma- 
ment arrived from France, bringing, besides the oflicers, 
nearly eight hundred settlers and soldiers, intended to settle 
various coiicessions, or land grants. In October, M. de 
Bois Brillant started to establish a post on the Illinois; and, 
at the same time, M. de La Harpc went to establish one on 
Red river, and to explore the country west and north. 

In .lanuary, 1719, an armament arrived from France, 
and brought two hundred and fifty persons to swell the 
force of the colony. At the same time, intelligence was 
brought that war existed between France and Spain. It 
was immediately decided to make an attack upon Pensa- 
cola. Bienville concentred the force of the colony at 
Mobile ; and, having assembled four hundred savages and 
a considerable body of Canadians, lie marched by land for 
Pensacola. At the same time the Marshal Villars and two 
other vessels were despatched for the same place ; and, on 
the 14tli of May, it was invested by sea and land. The 
Spanish governor, seeing himself in danger of an immediate 



STATF. OF LOUISIANA. 1719. 283 

assault, surrendered, on condition that the garrison should 
be transported to Havana. 

On the 6th of June, 1719, two ships, Due de Maine and 
Aurore, arrived from tlie coast of (Juinea, commanded by 
Laudoin and Herpin, bringing five hundred negro slaves. 
On liie 5tli of August, a small Sj)anish tleet appeared before 
Pensacola. The garrison was partly .Spanish, and inclined 
to yield. In the ger.jral confusion and insubordination, the 
French commander was obliged to surrender the place, 
obtaining, however, the most honorable terms. The for- 
mer Spanish commander was reinstated governor. The 
Spaniards, llusbed witii this success, undertook the siege 
of Uauphine island ; and, after various eflbrts and assaults, 
"were compelled to abandon it. About this time, a French 
squadron arrived off Dauphine island, bringing various 
officers for the colony, and two hundred settlers. 

It was determined to re-take Pensacola before an 
expected squadron could arrive from Vera Cruz. Bienville 
mustered five hundred savages and Canadians, and de- 
parted by land for that post. A French squadron sailed at 
the same time for the same destination ; and Pensacola was 
again invested by sea and land. It was taken by storm, 
in which the French met with a small, and the Spanish a 
considerable loss. The whole Spanish force, of all nations, 
was eighteen hundred. On the 28th, a Spanish brigantine 
from Havana entered the harbor, unconscious that the 
place had changed masters, and was taken. Forty-seven 
French deserters were found among the Spanish garrison. 
Twelve of them were hung from the yard-arm of a ship, 
and thirty-five condemned to hard labor, as slaves. 

The garrison, which had hitherto been kept at Dauphine 
island, was ordered to be removed to Biloxi. It seems as 
if, in the confusion which reigned in the colony at this 
time, it had been forgotten that it was the intention of the 
French government to advance the cultivation of tlic soil 
as fast as possible, and thereby render the colony indepen- 
dent. This could not be done, unless the colonies were 
stationary. By the same conveyance the colony received 
an ordonnance^ or decree, regidating the sale of merchari- 



284 SETTLEMENTS OF THE ^RE^fCH. 

dise. and settling the rate of profit. At the different ports 
where the vessels were to be unloaded, the articles were to 
be delivered at a fixed profit. For instance, at New 
Orleans they were to be delivered at five per cent, advance ; 
at Natchez at ten ; at Yazoo at thirteen ; at Natchitoches 
at twenty ; and at Illinois and Missouri at fifty per cent. ; 
and so of the rest. 

Bernard de La Harpe established a post, eighty leagues 
above Natchitoches, on Red river, and attempted to open a 
trade Avith the Spaniards. He thoroughly explored the 
country between Red river and Washita, and made him- 
self particularly acquainted, according to the usual French 
policy, with the various tribes of Indians. His narrative 
shows much simplicity and credulity, but is otherwise 
amusing. He describes, probably from the ill-understood 
accounts of the Indians, an animal, which he calls a lion, 
with one horn, and other incredible circumstances, which 
no after information has confirmed to exist. Many of his 
barbarous names of savage tribes in that quarter, are the 
names which they bear at present; and the general 
impression of the savages at this day confirms the state- 
ment of La Harpe, that the Carancoahs of Texas were 
cannibals. 

He ascended the Arkansas, according to his narrative, 
to the mountains ; and found a number of savage tribes 
associated and living in one town, which contained, as he 
asserts, four thousand souls. Their cabins were contigu- 
ous, and running in a parallel line for nearly a league. 
The situation was delightful beyond description. They 
were allies of the Pawnees, who dwelt forty leagues to the 
north of them, and were then at peace with the Osages and 
most of the wandering nations about the sources of Arkan- 
sas and Red river. Their old men related that the Span- 
iards had traded for the precious metals with the Padoucas, 
whose villages were situated at the distance of fifteen days' 
journey from them. They asserted that they knew where 
these metals were found, but, fearing their enemies, they 
seldom crossed the mountains over which they Avere dis- 
covered. They showed him rock-salt, which they said 



THE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA. 1720. 285 

they obtained on this side the mountains. They repre- 
sented the Arkansas as navigable for a great distance 
above tliem, although they admitted themselves to be so 
ignorant of navigation as not even to have periogues. 
They presented the calumet of peace to him with great 
ceremony. There were present on the occasion more tlian 
five hundred savages. Some venerable old men performed 
the ceremony. Their harangue was of the same cast with 
those which the Indians give at present. It touched upon 
the advantages which they hoped from an alliance with 
the French, the benefits of their merchandise, their warlike 
character, and generosity. After this, all the chiefs and 
principal warriors recounted the great deeds and exploits, 
which them.selves had performed, and particularly dwell- 
ing on the number of scalps that they had taken. It was 
a gorgeous ceremonial ; but, as such things are apt to be, 
before the termination it began to be wearisome. It lasted 
nearly three days, during which time the savages contin- 
ued to dance and sing without intermission. 

When he retired to repose, several warriors attended 
with eagle feathers to drive away the flies and musquitoes, 
and to fan him through the night. They still continued 
their harangues, dances and songs by day, casting from 
time to time buffalo robes at his feet. They made him 
presents of rock-salt, corn-bread, tobacco, and a rock of a 
beautiful blue and red color, to which they added a young 
slave, eight years old. They regretted that they had not 
received his visit one moon earlier : declaring that they 
could then have given him seventeen slaves instead of this 
one ; but averred that they had eaten them all at a public 
festival ! 

They were in the habit of leaving their village, in the 
month of October, to hunt the buffalo, and returning from 
the hunt in March. At that time they planted beans, corn 
and pumpkins, which formed their chief sustenance during 
the sumnrier. ^riiey had beautiful horses, which they rode 
with bridles and saddles of leather, after the Spanish fash- 
ion. They also wore a kind of armor, made of leather, 
which was proof against arrows. Each of these nations 



286 



SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 



had its own peculiar coat of arms, answering to the present 
Indian ^' totem.'' Tliis was painted on a piece of leather, 
and suspended ahove tlicir doors. Some hore the sun, 
moon, or stars, and some dilferent kinds of birds and 
beasts. What is most singular, is, that many languages 
were spoken in this single village. 




Western prairie. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Settlements of the French in America. — Louisiana — Activitij of the 
French adventurers — Unproductiveness of the colony of Louisiana — 
The ■patent of the colony granted to (he Mississippi company — Law's cel- 
ebrated Mississippi scheme — Effrri of it upon Louisiana — Massacres 
committed Iry the French upon the Natchez tri)je — Plot of the Indians — 
Massacres and devastations retorted upon the French — War between the 
Natchez and the Chickasaws — The Natclvez suJ/rnit to the French — 
Total extirpation of that tribe — The French make war upon the ('hick- 
asaws — Ill-success of the French in their campaign against the Indians 
— Peace vnth the Chickasaws — General description of the colonists of 
Louisiana. 

There is nothing so astonishing, in the annals of this 
period, as the number and extent of the distant voyages 
of discovery to the remotest points of this immense valley, 
which had been made by the French. On the whole, 
Louisiana was a heavy tax to the parent country. In five 
years, preceding 1717. the balance against France had 
been one hundred and twenty-five thousand livres. The 
government had been for a long time a monopoly in the 
hands of Crozat, a man immensely rich, but unable, with 
all his wealth, long to support such a losing concern. Un- 
der the.se circumstances, he gladly relinquished his patent, 
selling it. in 1717, to the Mississippi company. This com- 
pany is well known in history to have had its origin in the 
famous bubble, which the celebrated projector, John Law, 
had just projected. 

The mania of that scheme spread like an epidemic, and 
in/ected all France in its progress. The bubble soon 
burst, and that country rang with the groans of beggary, 
ruin and despair. But this monstrous mischief wrought 
great benefits to Louisiana. During the excitement of 
this scheme, which was to turn everything into gold, forty 



288 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

thousand and forty-four colonists were added to the inhab- 
itants ; and fourteen hundred and forty-six slaves were 
brought into the country, clliciently to commence agricul- 
tural labors. To furnish wives for the colonists, the 
charity and correction houses were emptied of their 
females, and poor girls were taken from the streets. Such 
kinds of colonists were not those most calculated to strug- 
gle with the dilliculties of a new colony in tlie woods. An 
added number of mouths were to be tilled with food ; and 
the inhabitants, in the supineness of their indolence, re- 
ceived a new stimulant to their industry. 

One of the most memorable events in the early history 
of Louisiana, is the massacre of the French among the 
Natchez, by that tribe of Indians, and the final extirpation 
of the tribe by the French. The history of this interest- 
ing nation has been given us by their destroyers. We may 
therefore presume that at least all the amiable traits that 
are given of them are true. They inhabited those delight- 
ful and fertile hills that now constitute the better part of 
the state of IMississippi. Their traditions lead to the 
impression that they had emigrated in ancient days from 
countries far to the southwest, probably from Mexico. 
They were, in many respects, compared with the Indians 
about them, a polished people. A few barbarous customs 
among them only indicate that a cruel and bloody super- 
stition can stain the manners of a people in other respects 
peaceable and humane. They had laws, subordinate 
ranks, and institutions of various kinds. They were con- 
siderably acquainted with the use of their own medicinal 
herbs. They had an established worship, and a tem]>le 
dedicated to the "Great Spirit," on the altar of which 
burned a perpetual fire. Their chiefs, like the Incas of 
Peru, derived their origin from the sun, and were held in 
such idolatrous veneration, that when about to be con- 
demned to death, as we have seen, numbers of their sub- 
jects were still ready to offer themselves as voluntary 
substitutes for them. They were a numerous people, 
commanding respect, and giving the law far up and down 
the Mississippi. Amidst the ancient forests of these fertile 



THE NATCHEZ INDIANS. 1723. 289 

hills they had wandered, for the most part in peace, con- 
tent with the simple gifts of nature. The admission of 
white men among them was the era of their doom. 

I'iie French both courted and dreaded tiiis formidable 
people; and of all their allies they had lx;en most fXirse- 
veringly faithful. They had aided them in all their pro- 
jects; and, more than once, by the supplies which they 
tiad furnished the Frencli, had saved them from famine. 
The outrage that is now to be related, is the more memo- 
rable from the circumstance that the French were gene- 
rally noted for being lenient, faithful and just in their 
intercourse with the savages. JSo doubt tliat these were 
the true secrets of their general ascendency among them. 

The cause of the quarrel that ensued between the 
French and Natchez, was of the most trivial character. 
A soldier of the garrison of fort Rosalie alleged that an 
old Natchez warrior owed him corn, and demanded imme- 
diate payment. The Indian replied, that the corn was 
yet green in the fields, and that, a.s soon as it was suffi- 
ciently ripe, he should be paid. The soldier persisted to 
demand prompt payment, threatening him with a beating, 
if he refused. Even the threat of being struck is ever 
insupportable to an Indian, 'i'he old man sprang, incen.sed, 
from the fort, and challenged the soldier to single combat. 
The .soldier, alarmed by the rage of the Indian, cried mur- 
der ! The warrior, on this, and seeing a crowd collecting, 
retired slowly towards his village. One of the guard fired 
upon him, and he was mortally wounded. No inquiry 
was made, or at least no punishment inflicted on him who 
had committed the outrage. All the revengeful feelings 
natural to savages were called up on the occasion. The 
Natchez flew to arms, and the French were assailed on 
every side, and many of them fell. The Stung Serpent, an 
influential chief, interpo.sed his authority, and the slaughter 
ceased. A new treaty of peace was the result of the dis- 
cussion that en.sued; and the whole affair seemed to be 
buried in oblivion. 

Soon after this, in the year 1723, under different pre- 
texts, several hundred soldiers were secretly introduced 
25 



290 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FKENCH. 

into the settlement, and the defenceless and unsnspecting 
Natchez were slaughtered in their huts. The head of the 
first chief was demanded as the price of peace, and the 
wretched Natchez were obliged to yield to the demand. 
The slaughter had continued four days, beforxs peace was 
granted them. This was a deed, of course, never to be 
forgotten nor forgiven by the savages. They saw at once 
that there remained only the alternative between their own 
destruction or that of their enemies. They were moody, 
pensive, timid and slow ; but they were sure in devising 
the means of vengeance. 

Things remained in this situation until 1729. At this 
time, M. de Chopart. who had been the chief agent in 
these transactions, and who was excessively obnoxious to 
the savages, had been ordered to New Orleans, to meet an 
investigation of his conduct touching this affair. The joy 
of the savages was great ; for they hoped at least to be 
delivered from his enmity and oppression. To their de- 
spair they learned that he was justified, and reinstated in 
his authority. He seemed, on his return, more vindictive 
towards them than ever. To manifest his ill-feelings, he 
determined to build a town two miles below the present 
site of Natchez, on ground occupied by a large and ancient 
village of the Indians. Accordingly, he sent for the sun 
chief, and ordered him to have the savage huts cleared 
away, and the inhabitants dispersed. The chief replied, 
" that their ancestors had dwelt there for ages, and that it 
was good that their descendants should dwell there after 
them." The order was repeated, with a threat of destruc- 
tion if not obeyed. 

The Indians dissembled, and, remarking " tliat the corn 
had just come out of the ground, and that their hens were 
laying their eggs, and that to abandon their village at that 
time would bring famine both on them and the French," 
requested delay. All that they could obtain of the haughty 
commandant was, to delay until autumn, on condition that 
each hut should bring a basket of corn and a fowl, as a 
tribute for this forbearance. The savages met and held 
coimcils in private; and the unanimous result was, to 



MASSACRES BY THE NATCHEZ. — 1729. 291 

niaJ{.c one final effort to preserve their independence and 
the tombs of their ancestors inviolate. The Chickasaws, 
the allies of the English, and the natural enemies of the 
French, were invited to take a part with them in their 
meditated vengeance upon the French. The Chickasaws 
eagerly consented; but, by the treachery of one of their 
women, probably in the interest of the French, were de- 
ceived as to the day, and did not arrive until after the 
blow was struck. 'I'he massacre of the French was 
arranged to take place at the time when the Natchez 
should be admitted among them to pay their tribute of 
corn and fowls. M. de Chopart was warned by a woman, 
probably attached to some Frenchman, of their approach- 
ing doom. IJut the evil star of the French prevailed, and 
the commandant, instead of arousing to caution, punished 
the informer. 

The fatal period for the breaking forth of the smothered 
vengeance of the savages came. The last day of Novem- 
ber, 1729, the "grand sun," with his warriors, repaired to 
the fort with the promised tribute of corn and fowls. The 
soldiers were abroad in perfect security. The savages 
seized the gate and other passages, by which the soldiers 
were excluded from their arms. The garrison was filled 
with warriors. The houses in the country were occupied, 
by previous concert, at the same time. It was a general 
massacre. None were spared but the slaves and some of 
the Avomen and children. Such was the abhorrence and 
contempt of M. de Chopart, that the chiefs would not kill 
him, and he was slain by one of the meanest of the Indians. 
Of seven hundred people, scarcely enough survived to 
carry the tidings of the destruction to the capital. All 
the forts, settlements and inhabitants on the Yazoo and 
Washita shared the conunon fate of massacre and the 
flames. 

' Consternation at first pervaded the capital. But the 
French soon put every engine in operation to retaliate. 
The Gliickasaws, thinking themselves mocked by the 
Natchez, in being deceived as to the time when the blow 
was struck on the French, in resentment for not being at 



292 SETTLEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

the massacre of the French, were ready to join the French 
to extirpate the Natchez. Fifteen hnndred Chickasaws 
joined themselves to a detachment of French troops, aided 
by cannon. The Natchez had fortified themselves, but on 
the appearance of this formidable force, and the discharge 
of the cannon, they hnmbled themselves to sue for peace. 
They offered to restore the French prisoners in their pos- 
session, and forsake their country forever. M. de Lubois. 
anxious to save the prisoners, consented to put off the 
attack until the next day, provided that the prisoners were 
given up. The following night they deserted the fort, in a 
silence so profound as not to disturb their enemies. They 
crossed the Mississippi, and ascended Red river to a point 
not far from where Natchitoches is now situated. The 
French pursued them, headed by M. de Perrier, Avith 
cannon. They had fortified themselves, and in their last 
fastnesses they fought with the desperation of men Avho 
were ready to die. They sallied out, and attempted to 
cut their way through tlie besieging force in vain. It was 
useless to contend with the strength that surrounded them. 
The Avomen and children were enslaved at home, and the 
males were sent as slaves to St. Domingo. Thus utterly 
perished the once powerful tribe of the Natchez. 

MeauAvhile the Chickasaws, whose country bounded on 
the English settlements in Carolina, and wlio had been 
steadily attached to their interests, had been long obnox- 
ious to the French, who were waiting for an opportunity 
to make them feel the weight of their resejitment. A double 
motive stimulated them to this wish. The one Avas, to 
drive the English from among them, and secure their 
trade. The other, to abridge the concurrent influence of 
the English and the ChickasaAvs among the other tribes 
in their vicinity. A pretext offered, and the French seized 
it Avith avidity. A fcAV of the Natchez Indians, Avho had 
escaped the general massacre, had fled to the protection of 
the ChickasaAvs, and Averc incorporated with that tribe. 
Tliese Indians, m 1730, Avere demanded by Dienvillc, and, 
as lie foresaAV, the demand Avas refused. He marched up 
the Mobile against them, Avith a very considerable force. 



STATE OF THE FRENCH COLONIES. 1750. 293 

It came to a battle, and the French had the worst of the 
conflict, and were obliged to make a disgraceful retreat. 
At the same time, the Chickasaws had been assailed on 
their northern borders, by the French from the Illinois, to 
make a diversion in favor of Bienville. These, also, were 
compelled to fly. It is related as a ludicrous circumstance, 
that the Illinois French, when they marched up to fight 
the Chickasaws, suspended woolsacks in front of their 
bodies, as a shield against the arrows and balls of the 
Chickasaws. The circumstance excited great glee among 
the English and Indians, and they fired at the legs of these 
pastoral people, who evinced their value of legs and the 
uselessness of woolsacks by running with their best 
speed. 

Bienville undertook another campaign against them, 
with a still greater force. It was as unsuccessful as the 
former. It is said that his force on this occasion was the 
largest, and best appointed, which had ever been seen in 
Louisiana. So completely was it reduced, chiefly by 
famine and desertion, that he was compelled to sue for 
peace. He obtained a tolerable one, only through the 
ignorance of the enemy of his weakness. 

From this peace to the commencement of the war be- 
tween France and England, in 1754, few events occurred 
in Louisiana, that properly belong to these annals. The 
French government had become sufficiently aware of the 
value of the fertile soil and mild climate of upper Louisi- 
ana. There were few disastrous ruptures with the Indians. 
The colonists were enabled to extend their settlements 
without interruption. The French fixed their villages in 
the shade of deep forests, on the fertile prairies, the banks 
of streams, or at spring sources, as best suited their fancies. 
The wilderness and the prairies presented a boundless 
choice. They negotiated marriages, or temporary con- 
nections, with the young women of their red brethren ; and 
the mixed races, which we now see in their settlements, 
were the fruit. Their ambition was gratified by managing 
their influence, so as to keep up a balance of power among 
the savage tribes, of such a kind, that their weight in the 
25* 



294 SETTLEOTENTS OF THE FRENCH. 

opposite scale was suflicicnt to make it preponderate. Un- 
like the l']nglisli cultivators, who generally preferred range, 
or a wide space in the wilderness, the French commonly 
established themselves in compact settlements, with such 
narrow and huddled streets that they could carry on their 
nimble conversations across them. The ^and business of 
the young men was to navigate the almost interminable 
rivers, to hunt for small adventures, trade and consort with 
the Indians to procure furs. They were mostly clad in 
skins. Their houses were furnished, their couches made, 
and their tables supplied from the spoils of the cliase. 
Their evenings, on their return, were spent in dancing, in 
intercourse with the savages, and in relating long stories 
of their voyages, adventures and exploits. Such is a brief 
outline of the modes of existence in Kaskaskia, Cahokia, 
Vincenncs, St. Genevieve, the post of Arkansas, Natchi- 
toches on Red river, and Natchez on the Mississippi. At 
New Orleans there were always a certain number of people 
of family and education. There was a kind of court, a 
theatre, and the semblance of amusements of a higher order. 
The people contemplated their rural countrymen in the 
woods about at the same distance, and with the same 
estimation, with Avhicli themselves were contemplated by 
the circles of Paris. 

Many of the inmiigrants had been gentlemen ; and most 
of them had been military characters. Some of them were 
of noble origin. The first settlers were, probably, of better 
family, as that matter was then rated, than those of any 
other colony in North America, save the colonists of 
Mexico. It is, perhaps, a fortunate trait in the French char- 
acter, — certainly it was an amiable one, — that such men 
could so readily associate with savages, and make tliem- 
selves so gay and happy in these remote and unpeopled 
deserts, where they only heard from France once or twice 
in a year. They had their packs of dogs, their guns, their 
Indian beauties, and the range of an unexplored world, to 
fill their desires and their imaginations. Their descend- 
ants speak of these ancient residents as a superior race of 
mortals, and of these times, as a kind of golden age. 



fm 



CHAPTER XXV. 

FuKNCH AND Indian Waus. — Jcalouxy between the French and English 
colonies — Hostilities of the savages towards the English — Intrigues of 
the French in Canada — Father Halle — Incursions of the Norridgewock 
Indians — Expedition of Captain Westbrook — Flight of liulle — Expedi- 
tion of Moulton and Harman — Attack upon the Indians at Teconet — 
Defeat of the Indians, and death of lifille — Barbarities of the English 
— Faugus, chief of the Pet/uaivkcls — Expedition to Salmon Fall river 
— LoveweWs expedition — Battle between the forces of I'augus and 
Lovcwcll — Death of Lovewcll — The Androscoggin and Pe(/uawkct In- 
dians abandon the country — War between England and France — Ex- 
peditioji against Cape Breton — Capture of Louisburg — Exertions of 
the French government — End of the war. 

The French liaving tlnis firmly cstaLlislicd ihcrnsolves 
on the skirts of the Eiij^lish sctlleincDts in North America, 
it was not dilficuit to perceive that these two rival powers 
would before long become involved in a serious struggle 
for supremacy upon the continent. Not a year passed 
without increasing the jealousy between the two nations, 
the first serious symptojns of wbich became manifest in the 
Indian wars, which harassed the back settlements of tlie 
English, and in which the savages, as the JMiglish firmly 
believed, were encouraged and assisted by the Erench from 
Canada. A French priest, named Ralle had settled among 
the savages at Norridgewock, in Maine, and these began, 
about tlie year 1720, to lay waste tlie frontier tf)wns with 
bloodshed and devastation. The depredatiorjs of the A hena- 
quis, as these Indians were called by those who lived among 
them, were, therefore, directly charged by the English 
upon Father Ralle ; hence their first step was to oiler a 
reward for his head. The object of the expedition of Colo- 
nel Westhrook, in 1722, was ostensibly to seize upon him; 
but he found the village deserted, and nothing Avas effected 



296 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

by the expedition but the burning of the place. Father 
Ralle was the last that left it, which he did at the same 
time it was entered by the enemy ; having first secured the 
sacred vases of his temple and the ornaments of its altar. 
The English made search for the fugitives, but without 
success, although, at one time, they were within about 
eight feet of the very tree that screened the object for which 
they sought. Thus the French considered that it was by 
a remarkable interposition of Providence that Father Ralle 
did not fall into their hands. 

Determined on destroying this assemblage of Indians, 
which Avas the head quarters of the whole eastern country 
at this time, the English, two years after, 1724, sent out a 
force, consisting of about two hundred men and three 
Mohawk Indians, under Captains Moulton, Harman, and 
Bourne, to humble them. They came upon the village 
the 23d of August, while there was not a man in arms to 
oppose them. They had left forty of their men at Teco- 
nct Falls, which is now within the town of Winslow, upon 
the Kennebec, and about two miles below Waterville col- 
lege, upon the opposite side of the river. The English had 
divided themselves into three squadrons : eighty, under 
Harman, proceeded by a circuitous route, thinking to sur- 
prise some in their corn-fields, while Moulton, with eighty 
more, proceeded directly for the village, which, being sur- 
rounded by trees, could not be seen until they were close 
upon it. All were in their wigwams, and the English 
advanced slowly and in perfect silence. When pretty near, 
an Indian came out of his wigwam, and, accidentally dis- 
covering the English, ran in and seized his gun, and, giving 
the war-whoop, in a few minutes the warriors were all in 
arms, and advancing to meet them. Moulton ordered his 
men not to fire until the Indians had made the first dis- 
charge. This order was obeyed, and, as he expected, they 
overshot the English, who then fired upon them, in their 
turn, and did great execution. When the Indians had given 
another volley, they fled with great precipitation to the 
river, whither the chief of their women and children had 
also fled during the fight. Some of the English pursued 



DEATH OF RALLE, 1724. 297 

and killed many of them in the river, and others fell to 
pillaging and burning the village. Mogg disdained to fly 
with the rest, but kept possession of a wigwam, from which 
he fired upon the pillagers. In one of his discharges he 
killed a Mohawk, whose brother, observing it, rushed upon 
Mogg and killed him ; and thus ended the strife. There 
were about sixty warriors in the place, about one half of 
whom were killed. 

The famous Ralle shut himself up in his house, from 
which he fired upon the English ; and, having wounded 
one. Lieutenant Jaques, of Newbury, burst open the door 
and shot him through tlie head, although Moulton had 
given orders that none should kill him. He had an Eng- 
lish boy with him, about fourteen years old, who had been 
taken some time before from the frontiers, and whom the 
English reported Ralle was about to kill. Great brutality 
and ferocity are chargeable to the English in this affair, 
according to their own account; such as killing women 
and children, and scalping and mangling the body of 
Father Ralle. 

There was here a handsome church, with a bell, on 
which the English committed a double sacrilege, first rob- 
bing it, then setting it on fire; herein surpassing the act of 
the first English circumnavigator, in his depredations upon 
the Spaniards in South America ; for he only took away 
the gold and silver vessels of a church, and its cnicifix, 
because it was of massy gold, set about with diamonds, 
and that, too, upon the advice of his chaplain. 

Paugus, slain in the memorable battle with the English 
under Captain Lovewell, in 1725, was chief of the Pequaw- 
kets. Fryeburg, in Maine, now includes the principal place 
of their former residence, and the place where the battle 
was fought. It was near a considerable body of water, 
called Saco Pond, which is the source of the river of the 
same name. The cruel and barbarous murders almost 
daily committed by the Indians upon the defenceless fron- 
tier inhabitants, caused the general court of Massachusetts 
to offer a bounty of one hundred pounds for every Indian's 
scalp. Among the various excursions performed by Love- 



298 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



well, previous to that in which he was killed, the most 
important was that to the Salmon Fall river, now Wake- 
field, in New Hampshire. With forty men, he came upon 




Lake Winnipis€og€«. 



a small company of ten Indians, who were asleep by their 
fires, and, by stationiiia; his men advantageously, killed all 
of them. This bloody deed was porformod near the shore 
of a pond, which has ever since borne the name of Love- 
well's Pond. After taking o<f their scalps, these forty 
warriors marched to Uoston in great triumph, with the ten 
scalps extended n\^on hoops, displayed in a formal manner, 
and for which they received one thousand pounds. This 
exploit was the more lauded, as it was siipposed that these 
(en Indians were upon an expedition against the English 
upon the frontiers; havmg new guns, much amnnmition, 
and spare blankets and moccasins, to accommodate cap- 
tives. This, however, was mere conjecture, and whether 
they had killed friends or enemies was not quite so certain 
as that they had killed I/tdia/is. 

Captain Lovewell marched upon his expedition against 
Paugus, with forty-six men, from Dunstable, about the 
middle of April, 1725. They arrived near the place where 
they expected to find Indians, on the 7th of May; and, 



LOVEWELl's fight. 1725. 299 

early the next morning, while at prayers, heard a gun, 
which they rightly suspected to be fired by some of Pau- 
gus' men, and immediately prepared for an encounter. 
Divesting themselves of their packs, they marched forward 
to discover the enemy ; but not knowing in what direction 
to proceed, they marched in an opposite direction from the 
Indians. This gave Paugus great advantage ; who, fol- 
lowing their tracks, soon fell in with their packs, from 
which he learned their strength. Being encouraged by his 
superior numbers, Paugus courted the conflict, and pursued 
the English with ardor. His number of men was said to 
have been eighty, while that of the English consisted of no 
more than thirty-five, having left ten in a fort at Ossipee; 
and one, an Indian, had before returned home, on account 
of sickness. The fort at Ossipee was for a retreat in case 
of emergency, and to serve as a deposit of part of their 
provisions, of which they disencumbered themselves before 
leavhig it. 

After marching a considerable distance from the place 
of their encampment, on the morning of the 8th of May, 
Ensign Wyman discovered an Indian, who was out hunt- 
ing, having in one hand some fowls he had just killed, and 
in the other two guns. There can be no probability that 
he thought of meeting an enemy, but no sooner was he 
discovered by the English, than several gims were fired at 
him, but missed him. Seeing that sure death was his lot, 
this valiant Indian resolved to defend himself to his last 
breath; and the action was as speedy as the thought. His 
gun was levelled at the English, and Lovewell was mor- 
tally wounded by the fire. Ensign Wyman, taking delib- 
erate aim, killed the poor hunter. He was scalped by the 
chaplain and another ; and then they marched again, by 
the way they came, for their packs. This was expected 
by the wary Paugus, and he lay in ambush to cut them 
off. When they had got completely within the ambush, 
the Indians rose from their coverts. They nearly encircled 
the English, but seemed loth to begin the fight ; and were, 
no doubt, in hopes that the English, seeing their numbers, 
would yi«ld without a battle ; and, therefore, made towards 



300 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



them with their guns presented, and threw away their first 
fire. IMiis only encouraged the English, and they rushed 
toward the hidians, fired as they pressed on, and, killing 
many, drove the Indians for several rods. But they soon 
rallied and fired vigorously in their turn, and obliged the 
English to retreat, leaving nine dead and three wounded 
where the battle began. Lovewell, though mortally 
wounded before, had led his men until tliis time, but fell 
before the retreat. 




Lovavell's fight. 

Being near the shore of Saco pond, the English made 
good their retreat to it, which prevented their being sur- 
rounded ; and but for this motion, none could possibly 
have escaped. Tlie bank of the pond afforded a kind of 
breastwork, behind which the English maintained the fight 
until night. Tiie Indians drew off about dark, and they 
saw no more of them. Nine only of the English escaped 
unhurt, though several that were wounded lived to return 
home. Paugus was killed. 

If miracles had not then ceased in the land, we should 
be induced to pass to their credit the extraordinary escape 
of several of the wounded Englishmen. Solomon Keyes, 



THE ANDROSCOGGINS AND PEQUAWKETS RETIRE. — 1726. 301 

having received three wounds, said he would hide himself, 
and die in a secret place, where the Indians could not find 
him to get his scalp. As he crawled upon the shore of the 
pond, at some distance from the scene of action, he found 
a canoe, into which he rolled himself, and was drifted away 
by the wind. To his great astonishment, he was cast 
ashore at no great distance from the fort at Ossipee, to 
which he crawled, and there met several of his compan- 
ions, and, gaining strength, returned home with them. 

Those who escaped did not leave the battle-ground until 
near midnight. When they arrived at the fort, they ex- 
pected to have found refreshment, and those they had left 
as a reserve ; but a fellow, whose name is not mentioned, 
who deserted the rest when the battle began, so frightened 
them, that they fled in great confusion and dismay to their 
homes. 

The place where this fight took place was fifty miles 
from any white inhabitants; and that any should have 
survived the famine which now stared them in the face, is 
almost as miraculous as that they should have escaped 
death at the hands of the courageous warriors of Paugus : 
yet fourteen lived to return to their friends. 

Fifty men from New Hampshire afterwards marched to 
the scene of action, where they found and buried the dead. 
They found but three Indians, one of whom was Paugus. 
The rest were supposed to have been taken away when 
they retreated from the battle. 

After Lovewell's fight, the Androscoggin and Pequawket 
Indians retired to the head of Connecticut river. They 
remained here but two years in peace, at which time the 
Androscoggins removed to Canada, where they were after- 
wards known as the St. Francis tribe. The others re- 
mained on the Connecticut. Their chief, Philip, fought 
with the Americans in the revolutionary war. 

Hostilities between England and France could not be 
avoided while scenes like these were perpetually occurring. 
In 1744, war again broke out between these two powers, 
and the colonies were instantly involved. Their com- 
merce and fisheries suffered great injury from privateers 
26 



302 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

fitted out at Louisburg, a French post on Cape Breton. 
Its situation was important. Psearly six millions of dollars 
had been expended on its fortitication. It was of great 
importance that the colonies should destroy or take pos- 
session of this strong-hold, although it was considered 
impossible. Having exacted of the general court an oath 
of secrecy, the governor of Massachusetts, in January, 1745, 
commimicated to them the project. Many heard it with 
amazement. 

iSo strong was the place, and so weak were the colonies, 
that the thoughts of attacking it seemed rash and pre- 
sumptuous. The secret was disclosed by an honest mem- 
ber, who prayed for divine blessing on the attempt, if it 
should be made. The people were instantly struck with 
the advantage of possessing the place. "When the decision 
was made known, a petition, signed by a large number of 
merchants, was presented to the general court, praying 
them to comply with the governor's proposals. The sub- 
ject was again discussed, and the vote in favor of the 
expedition was only one majority. 

The question was now decided, and all who were before 
averse to the enterprise united heartily with the sup- 
porters, to ca,rry it into execution. The other New Eng- 
land colonies agreed to furnish assistance. In the space 
of two months an army of four thousand men was assem- 
bled at Boston, victualled and equipped for service. A 
British fleet in the West Indies, under Conuuodore "War- 
ren, was ordered to cooperate with the New England 
army. Warren, on receiving these orders, sailed for Bos- 
ton; but the American army, under Geqeral Pepperell, 
had already proceeded on its destination, on the 19th of 
April. 

Several vessels of war, which had been sent to cruise 
before l.<ouisburg. had captured several French ships, and 
prevented any intelligouoe of the expedition from reaching 
them. Those vessels were daily within sight of the place, 
but were supposed to be privateers, and caused no alarm. 
The appearance of the lleet on the 30th of April, gave the 
French the first intimation of their danger. The troops 



CAPTURE OF LOUISBURG. 1745. 303 

iinmediately landed, and tlic next day, four hundred 
marched around the hills, approached within a mile of 
the grand battery, setting lire to all the houses and stores 
on the way. Many of these contained tar and pitch, 
which produced a thick smoke, that completely enveloped 
the invaders. The fears of the French were increased 
by their uncertainty. They imagined all the army was 
coming npon them, and, throwing their powder into a 
well, destroyed the battery, which the iMiglish took with- 
out loss. This was uncommonly good fortune; but the 
most dilticult labor of the siege remained to be performed. 
The cannon were to be drawn nearly two miles over a 
deep morass, in plain view, and within gunshot of the 
enemy's principal fortification. For fourteen nights the 
troops, with straps over their siioulders, and sinking to 
their knees in nmd, were employed in the service. By the 
20th of May, they had erected live batteries, one of which 
mounted live forty-two pounders, and did great execution. 

Meanwhile, the fleet cruised in the harbor, and was 
equally successful. It captured a French ship of sixty- 
four gims, loaded with stores for the garrison, to whom the 
loss was distressing. English ships of war were continu- 
ally arriving, and added such strength to the fleet, that a 
combined attack upon the town was resolved upon. The 
enemy, discovering this design, deemed it unwise to run 
the hazard of an assault. On the 15th of .Tune, the French 
commander proposed a cessation of hostilities, and, on the 
17th, capitulated. Intelligence of this event spread rapidly 
through the coimtry. The French flag was still left 
standing upon the walls of Louisburg, which decoyed 
several India ships, supposed to be worth six hundred 
thousand pounds. Well might the citizens of New Eng- 
land be elated with these glad tidings. Without even a 
suggestion from the mother country, their commerce and 
fisheries were now secure. 

The French, fired with resentment at this loss, made 
extraordinary exertions to retrieve it, and to inflict chas- 
tisement on New England. The next summer they de- 
spatched to the American coast a powerful fleet, carrying 



304 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



a large number of soldiers. The news of its approach 
spread terror throughout New England. But an uncom- 
mon succession of disasters, which the pious of that time 
attributed to the special interposition of Providence, de- 
prived it of all power to inflict injury. After remaining a 
short time on the coast, it returned to France, having lost 
two admirals, both of whom, it was supposed, put an end 
to their lives through chagrin; having also, by tempest, 
been reduced to one half its force, and effected nothing. 

In 1748, peace was concluded; each party restored all 
its prisoners and conquests — a striking, but not uncommon 
illustration of the folly of war. Louisburg, though con- 
quered by the colonies, was exchanged by Great Britain 
for territories which she had lost in Europe. ' New Eng- 
land murmured at this injustice ; but what avail the 
nmrmurs of the weak ] 




Putnam Going to Assist Capt. Little. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

French and Indian Wars. — Renewal of the war between Great Britain 
and France — Transactions with the Indians on the Ohio — Washing- 
ton's embassy to the Ohio — Adventures on his return — Washington 
appointed to a command in the army — Marches against the French and 
Indians — Affair of the Bed Stones — Washmgton builds Fort Necessity 
— He is attacked by Count Villiers — Evacuates the fort — Braddock's 
expedition — Imprudence and rashness of the British general — Defeat and 
death of Braddock — Retreat of the army — Shirley's expedition to Can- 
ada — Battle near Lake George — Death of Colonel Williams — Retreat 
of Dieskau — Battle of French Mountain — Indian incursions — Lord 
Loudon commander-in-chief — Loss of Oswego — Departure of the Brit- 
ish army — Imbecility of Lord Loudon. 

The war which ended in 1748, for a short period gave 
peace to America, and the population in the thirteen colo- 
nies amounted to one million and one hundred thousand. 
Scarcely had the colonies time to reap the benefits of peace, 
before their prospect was clouded, and the sound of war 
filled tbe land with general anxiety and distress. In 1750, 
the 18th of May, Great Britain declared war against 
France. The general cause leading to this war was the 
encroachment of the French upon Nova Scotia, which had 
been ceded to Great Britain by the twelfth article of the 
treaty of Utrecht. About 17.50, a company of English 
traders established trading houses on the banks of the Ohio. 
The French seized some of the traders, and conveyed them 
prisoners to Canada. A tribe of Indians in Ohio, among 
whom the English had been trading, resented the seizure, 
and, by way of retaliation, took several French traders, and 
sent them to Pennsylvania. The Ohio Company com- 
plained to Dinwiddie, governor of Virginia, who laid the 
subject before the assembly, which ordered a messenger to 
be despatched to the French commander in Ohio, and 
require him to withdraw his troops. 
26* . 



306 



FREiNCH AND INDIAN WAKS. 



Here we are ealled iipim to make the lirst menliou of a 
name destineil to be forever memorable in the annals of the 
western world, (lieorge Washington, then a yonng man, 
and nnknown to fame, waited on his excellency, and oflered 
his services, but not without being fearful lest his youth 
should be an obstacle. However, the governor was so 
charmed with his modesty and manly air, that he never 
asketl him about his age, but, after thanking him for "a 
noble i/oi///i,'^ and insisting on his taking a glass of wine 
with him, slipped a connnissionintohis hand. In Novem- 
ber, 1753, accompanied by an interpreter and a couple of ser- 
vants, he set out on his exjiedition, which Avas as disagree- 
able ami dangerous as anything Hercules himself could 
have wished. JSoaking rains, chilling blasts, roaring tloods, 
pathless woods, and mountains clad in snows, opposed his 
course, but opposed in vain. The glorious ambition to 
serve his country imparted an animation to his nerves, 
which rendered him superior to all dilliculties. 




Washington's expedition to Ohio. 



Returning liomewards. he was waylaid and shot at by a 
French Indian, and though tiie copjier-colored rullian was 
not tiftecn steps distant when he lircd at him, yet not a shot 



CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE FRENCH AND INUIANS. — 1754. 307 

touched our young hero. On his return to Virginia, it was 
found that he had executed his negotiations, both with 
ttie French and Indians, with such fidehty and judgment, 
that lie received tlie heartiest thanks of the governor and 
council for the very important services he had done his 
country. 

He was now, 1754, in the twentieth year of his age, 
appointed major and adjutant-general of the Virginia forces. 
Soon after this, the Indians continuing tlieir encroachments, 
orders were given by the llrigHsh government for tfie colonies 
to arm and unite in one confederacy. Virginia tooii the lead, 
and raised a regiment of four hundred men, at the head of 
which slie placed Washington. With this handful of brave 
fellows. Colonel Washington, not yet twenty-three years 
of age, boldly pushed out into the Indian country, and 
there^ for a considerable time, maintained the war atrainst 
three times the number of French and Indians. At the 
Red .Stones he came up with a strong party of the enemy, 
whom he engaged and effectually defeated, after having 
killed and taken thirty-one men. From his prisoners he 
ol^tained undoubted intelligence that the French forces on 
the Ohio consisted of upwards of a thousand regulars and 
many hundreds of Indians. 

ISotwithstanding this disheartening advice, he still 
pressed on undauntedly against the enemy, and, at a place 
called Little Meadows, built a fort, which he called Fort 
Nece.s.sity. Here he waited, hourly and anxiously looking 
for succors from New York and Pennsylvania; but he 
looked in vain — nobody came to liis assistance. Not long 
after this, his small force, now reduced to three hundred 
men, were attacked by an army of eleven hundred French 
and Indians. Never did the true Virginian valor shine 
more gloriously than on this trying occasion. To see three 
hundred young fellow.s — commanded by a smooth-faced 
boy — all unaccustomed to the terrors of war — far from 
home, and from all hopes of help — .shut up in a dreary wil- 
derness, and surrounded by four times their number of 
savage foes, and yet, without sign of fear, without thought 
of surrender, preparing for mortal combat, — it was a noble 



308 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

sight ! Scarcely, since the days of Leonidas and his three 
liundred doaililess iSpartans, liad the sun beheld its equal. 
With hideous whoops and yells the enemy cainc on like 
a host of tigers. The woods, and rocks, and tall tree-tops, 
— as the Indians, climbing to the tops of the trees, ponred 
down their bullets into the fort, — were in one continued 
blaze and crash of (ire-arms. 

Nor Avere oiu- young warriors idle, but, animated by 
their gallant chief, plied their rilles with such spirit, that 
their little fort resembled a volcano in full blast, roaring, 
and discharging thick sheets of liquid fire and of leaden 
deaths among their foes. For three hours, enveloped in 
smoke and llame, thoy sustained the attack of the enemy's 
whole force, and laid two hundred of them dead on the 
spot. Discouraged by such desperate resistance, the 
French general, the Count de Villiers, sent in a flag to 
AVashington, extolling his gallantry to the skies, and olfer- 
ing him the most honorable terms. It was stipulated that 
Colonel Washington and his little band of heroes should 
march away with all the honors of war, and carry with 
them their military stores and bac^gage. 

The news of the conduct of the French against the Ohio 
Company soon reached England. The English were con- 
vinced that their claims to the country through which that 
river flows must be relinquished, or maintained by the 
sword. They soon chose the latter, and, early in the spring 
of l7.')o, they despatched Cieueral IJraddock with a respect- 
able force to America, to expel the French, and keep pos- 
session of the territory. In April, Braddock met the gov- 
ernors of several provinces, to confer upon the plan of the 
ensuing campaign. Three expeditions were resolved upon : 
one against Fort Du Quesne, to be commanded by General 
Braddock; one against Forts Niagara and Frontenac, to be 
commanded by Governor Shirley, and one against Crown 
Point, by General .)ohnson. This last expedition was to 
be executed by troops raised in New England and New 
York. 

In the spring of 1755, Washington, while busied in the 
highest military operations, was suimnoned to attend Gen- 



BRADDOCK S CAMPAIGN. 1753. 309 

eral liraddock, who, in the month of February, arrived at 
Alexandria with two thousand British troops. The assem- 
bly of Virginia appointed eiglit hundred provincials to join 
him. The object of this army was to march through the 
country, by the way of Will's Creek, to Fort Du CAuesne, 
now Pittsburgh. As no person was so well acquainted 
with the frontier country as Washington, and none stood 
so high in military fame, it was thought he would be infi- 
nitely serviceable to General Braddock. At the request of 
the governor and council, he cheerfully quitted liis own 
command, to act as volunteer aid-dc-camp to that very 
imprudent and unfortunate general. The army, nearly 
tliree thousand strong, marched from Alexandria on the lUth 
of June, and proceeded unmolested within a few miles of 
Fort Du Q,uesnc. On the morning of the day in which they 
expected to arrive, July 9, the provincial scouts discovered 
a large party of French and Indians in ambush. Washing- 
ton, with his usual modesty, ob.served to (Jencral Braddock 
what sort of enemy he had now to deal witli, — an enemy 
who would not, like the Europeans, come forward to a fair 
contest in the field, but, concealed behind rocks and trees, 
carry on a deadly warfare with their rilles. He concluded 
with begging that (Jeneral Braddock would grant him the 
honor to let him place himself at the head of the Virginia 
riflemen, and fight them in their own way. And it was 
generally thought that our young hero, and his eight hun- 
dred hearts of hickory, would very easily have beaten 
them too ; for they were not superior to the force, which, 
with only three hundred, he had handled so roughly a 
twelvemonth before. 

Braddock, who had all along treated the American offi- 
cers and soldiers with infinite contempt, instead of follow- 
ing this truly salutary advice, swelled and reddened with 
most unmanly rage. " High times, by G-d," he exclaimed, 
strutting to and fro, with arms akimbo, — "High times! 
when a young buckskin can teach a British general how to 
fight!" Washington withdrew, biting his lips with grief 
and indignation, to think what numbers of brave fellows 
would draw short breath that day, through the pride and 



310 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

obstinacy of one epanletted fool. The troops were ordered 
to form^ and advance in columns, throngh the woods ! ! 
In a Httle time, the rnin which Washington had predicted 
ensned. This poor devoted army, pnshed on by their mad- 
cap general, fell into the fatal snare which was laid for 
them. The army fell into an ambuscade ; the Indians 
sprang up from their covert. All at once a thousand rifles 
began the work of death. The ground was instantly cov- 
ered with the dying and the dead. 

The British troops, thus slaughtered by hundreds, and 
by an enemy whom they could not see, Avere thrown irre- 
coverably into panic and confusion, and, in a few minutes, 
their haughty general, with twelve hundred of his brave 
but unfortunate countrymen, bit tiie groimd. Braddock 
was mortally Avouuded in the beginning of the action, and 
Washington had him placed in a cart ready for retreat. 
Close on the left, where the weight of the French and 
Indian fire principally fell, W^ashington, and his Virginia 
rillemen, dressed in blue, sustained the shock. At every 
discharge of their rifles, the wounded general cried out, 
" O my brave Virginia blues ! W^ould to God I could live 
to reward you for such gallantry." But he died. Wash- 
ington buried him in the road, and, to save him from dis 
covery and the scalping-knife, ordered the wagons, on 
their retreat, to drive over his grave ! 

Amidst all this fearful consternation and carnage, amidst 
all the uproars and horrors of a rout, rendered still more 
dreadful by the groans of the dying, the screams of the 
wounded, the piercing shrieks of ihe women, and the yells 
of the furious assaulting savages, Washington, calm and 
self-collected, rallied his faithful riflemen, led them on to 
the charge, killed numbers of the enemy who were rushing 
on with tomahawks, checked their pursuit, and brought 
ofl" the shattered remains of the British army. A famous 
Indian warrior, who assisted in the defeat of Braddock, 
was often heard to swear that Washington was not born 
to be killed by a bullet; "for." continued he, "I had 
seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle, and, after all, I 
could not bring him to the ground." And, indeed, who- 



CAMPAIGN ON THE LAKES. 1755. 311 

ever considers that a good rifle, levelled by a proper 
marksman, hardly ever misses its aim, will readily enough 
conclude, with this unlettered savage, that some invisible 
hand must have turned aside his bullets. The Rev. Mr. 
Davies, in a sermon occasioned by Gen. Braddock's defeat, 
has these remarkable words — ••! beg leave to point the 
attention of the public to that heroic youth, Colonel George 
Wa.shington, whom 1 cannot but hope Providence has 
preserved for some great service to this country.'"' 

Governor Shirley proceeded to Oswego, on Lake On- 
tario. His army was poorly supplied with provisions, and 
the rainy season approaching, he abandoned the expedi- 
tion, and returned to Albany. The army under General 
Johnson arrived at the south end of Lake George the 
latter part of August, when he received information that 
two thousand of the enemy, commanded by IJaron Die.s- 
kau, were marching against Fort Edward. Accordingly, 
Colonel Williams was detached to intercept him. 

Colonel Williams' party, which left the camp between 
eight and nine o'clock in the morning of Sept. 8th, 17.5.5, 
very unexpectedly fell in with the army of Baron Dieskau; 
the two armies met in the road, front to front; the Indians 
of Dieskau"s army were in ambuscade upon both declivi- 
ties of the mountains, and thus it was a complete surprise; 
for Colonel W^illiams had unhappily neglected to place 
any scouts upon his wings. A bloody battle ensued, and 
a deadly fire was poured in upon both flanks. Colonel 
Williams, endeavoring to lead his men against the unseen 
enerny, was instantly shot through the head, and lie and 
hundreds of his yjarty. including old Hendrick, the chief of 
the Mohawks, and forty Indians, were slain. The remain- 
der of the party, under the command of Colonel Whiting, 
retreated into the camp. They came running in, in the ut- 
most confusion and consternation, and. perhaps, owed their 
safety, in a great measure, to another party, which, when 
the firing v/as heard, and perceived to be growing louder 
and nearer, was sent out to succor them. 

Nor did this battle terminate the fighting of this bloody 
day. The remains of Dieskau's army retreated about four 



312 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

miles, to the ground where Colonel Williams hatl been 
defeated in the morning. The rear of the army were there 
sitting upon the ground, had opened their knapsacks, and 
were refreshing themselves, when Captain M'Ginnies, who, 
with two hundred men, had been despatched from Fort 
Edward to succor the main body, came up with this 
portion of the French army, thus sitting in security, and 
attacked and totally defeated them, although he was him- 
self mortally wounded. Thus were three battles fought in 
one day, and almost upon the same ground. 

The neighboring mountain, in which the French so 
suddenly made their appearance, is to this day called 
French Mountain ; and this name, with the tradition of the 
fact, will be sent down to the latest posterity. 'J'he travel- 
ler is shown a rock by the road, at which a considcral^ic 
slaughter took place. It was on the east side of the road, 
near where Colonel Williams fell, and is, to this day, called 
Williams' Rock. Just by the present road, and in the 
midst of these battle-grounds, is a circular pond, shaped 
exactly like a bowl ; it may be two hundred feet in 
diameter, and is commonly full of water, and covered with 
the pond lily. This pond, now so tranquil, was the common 
sepulchre of the brave. The dead bodies of most of those 
who were slain on this eventful day, were thrown, in 
undistinguished confusion, into this pond. From that time 
to the present, it has been called the Hloody Pond ; and 
there is not a child in this region but will point to the 
French Mountain and the Bloody Pond. After these 
events, a regular fort was constructed at the head of the 
lake, and called Fort William Henry. 

Early in the spring, 1756, the enemy, invited by the 
success of the preceding year, made another irruption into 
the inhabited country, and did great mischief. The nimi- 
ber of troops on the regular establishment, was totally 
insufficient for the protection of the frontier. The Indians, 
divided into small parties, concealed themselves with so 
much dexterity, as seldom to be perceived until the blow 
was struck. These nmrders were frequently committed 
in the very neighborhood of the forts, and the detachments 



CAMPAIGN OF LOUDON AND ABERCROMBIE. 1756. 313 

which were employed in scouring the country were gene- 
rally eluded, or attacked to advantage. In one of these 
skirmishes, in the neighborhood of a stockade, the 'Amer- 
icans were totally routed, and Captain Mercer killed. The 
smaller forts were frequently assaulted and attacked. The 
people either abandoned the country, or attempted to secure 
themselves in small stockades, where they were in great 
distress for provisions, arms, and ammunition. 

Lord Loudon arrived in America in July, 1756, as 
commander-in-chief. He was clothed with the highest 
civil authority, having been appointed colonial governor. 
A complimentary address from the army, stating their 
pleasure at his arrival and appointment, and the readi- 
ness with which they would execute his commands, 
was presented to him; also a statement of the distress of 
the colony, and a particular description of the situation of 
the military points. An army was raised, of about twelve 
thousand men, which was better prepared for the field 
than any army that had been assembled in America. But 
the change of commanders delayed the operations of the 
English army. The French were active, and, on the 12th 
of July, General Abercrombie received intelligence that 
they meditated an attack upon Oswego, a post of the 
utmost importance. General Webb was ordered to prepare 
to march with a regiment to support the defence of that 
place, but was detained until the 12th of August. Before 
he had proceeded far, he learned it Avas too late. By the 
loss of Oswego, all the western country was laid open to 
the ravages of the enemy. There was reason to fear that 
the frontier posts would be swept away, one after another, 
and that all the preparations which had been made for an 
early attack on the enemy, would be lost with them. 
Besides, the enemy would have another year to fortify and 
strengthen their posts, and to render the reduction of them 
much more hazardous and difficult. 

The colonies were obliged to submit, and Lord Loudon 

sailed from New York for Halifax, with six thousand land 

forces, and there made a junction with Holboum and 

Hopson. Here was now an army of twelve thousand 

27 



314 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



men, exclusive of officers, aided by a powerful fleet; but 
they were so dilatory in their measures, that before they 
wore ready to sail, the liicst fleet, with seventeen sail of 
the IIik;, besides frigates and transports, arrived at Louis- 
burg. The garrison was so reinforced as to amount to 
nine thousand men. On the reception of this intelligence, 
it was judged inexpedient to proceed, and the expedition 
was given iij). Had the Earl of Loudon been a man of 
enterprise, — liad he wished to distinguish himself in his 
majesty's service, or to have rendered himself popular in 
the colonies, — he might have conducted this powerful army 
to Ticonderoga, and carried all before him in that quarter. 
At least, he might have sent on large detachments for the 
dcfiMice of the front icns. With his Prussian majesty, an 
Amherst, or a Wolfe, these would have been but natural 
and common achievements. \Uit he returned to New York 
at his hiisurc, and effected nothing. 




Southc7n War. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

French and Indian Wars. — Misconduct of the British commander in 
America — Montcalm in Canada — Eapcdition of Colonel Parker against 

Ttconderoga — Miscarriage of the undertaking — The French besiege 
Fort William Henry — Inactivity of General Wchb — Surrender of Fort 

William Henry — Perfidy arid barbarity of the French and Indians-^ 
Alarm (f the colonies — Disastrous end of the campaign of 1137 — Ex- 
tension of the war between the English and French — Change of minis- 
try in England — Mr. Pitt prime minister — His projects for the war in 
America — Efforts of the colonies — E.rpcdition of Boscawen and Am- 
herst against Cape Breton — Siege and capture of Louisburg. 

The British generals in America did more, in two years, 
by the pusillanimity, weakness, and inconsistency of their 
councils, to injure the colonies, than the French could 
have done with all their force. The provincials would, 
probably, have advanced to Crown Point the last year, 
and made themselves masters of the country south of Lake 
Champlain. They would undoubtedly have kept their 
own posts, and prevented the evils which followed. The 
British generals, and ofliccrs not only lost Oswego, but 
they destroyed the fortifications at the great carrying- 
place, and filled Wood Creek with logs and trees. They 
cut off all communication between the colonies and the 
Five Nations, the only body of Indians which preserved 
the appearance of friendship to them. They abandoned 
their whole country to the mercy of the enemy. Nothing 
could be done to prevent their collecting the Indians, from 
all quarters, to act against the colonies. 

Montcalm, the French commander-in-chief in Canada, 
did not neglect to improve the advantages he had gained, 
and whicli the conduct of the British generals afforded him. 
Finding that the troops were drawn off to Halifax, he at 



316 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



once determined on the siege of Fort William Henry, and 
the destruction of tlic vessels, boats, and batteaux, at the 
south landing of Lake George. Bodies of Indians, with 
his whole force, were collected for this purpose. Colonel 
Monroe, who commanded at Fort William Henry, having 
intelligence that an advanced party of the enemy lay at 
Ticonderoga, detached Colonel J*arker, with four Inmdrcd 
men, to surprise them. Ihiving landed at night, not far 
from the enemy, he sent three boats to reconnoitre, direct- 




Lake Cliamjilain. 

ing them where to meet him in a general rendezvous. The 
enemy, waylaying and intercepting the boats, obtained a 
perfect knowledge of the colonel's designs, and concerted 
measures to decoy him into tlicir hands. They laid an 
ambush behind the point where they knew he designed to 
land ; and, having been reinforced to nearly double his 
numbers, they sent three boats to the place appointed for 
the general rendezvous. The colonel, mistaking them for 
his own boats, eagerly put to shore, and was instantly sur- 
rounded by the enemy. They attacked him on all sides 
with such incessant violence that seventy privates and 
two officers only made their escape. 

Elated with this success, Montcalm hastened to tJie siege 



CAPTURE OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 1757. 317 

of Fort William Henry. Having drawn together all his 
forces from Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and the adjacent 
posts, with a greater number of Indians than the French 
had ever employed on any other occasion, he passed the 
lake, and regularly invested the fort. The whole army 
consisted of nearly eight thousand men. The garrison 
consisted of about three thousand, and the fortifications 
■were said to be good. At Fort Edward, scarcely fourteen 
miiles distant, lay General Webb, with four thousand 
troops. The regular troops at the two posts were proba- 
bly more than equal to the regular force of the enemy. A 
considerable proportion of their army consisted of Cana- 
dians and Indians. Yet, in about six days, was this im- 
portant post delivered up into the hands of the enemy. All 
the vessels, boats and batteaux, which, at so much expense 
and labor, had been for two years preparing, fell into the 
power of the enemy. Though Ceneral Webb had timely 
notice of the approach of the enemy, yet he never sent to 
alarm the country and bring on the militia. He never 
reinforced the garrison, nor made a single motion for its 
relief. So far was lie from this, that he sent a letter to 
Colonel Monroe, who commanded the fort, advising him to 
give it up to the enemy. 

Montcalm intercepted the letter, and sent it into the fort 
to the colonel. He had acted the part of a soldier, and 
made a brave defence ; but, having burst a number of his 
cannon, expended a considerable part of his ammunition, 
and, perceiving that he was to have no relief from General 
Webb, he capitulated on terms honorable for himself and 
the garrison. It was, to march out with arms, baggage, 
and one piece of cannon, in honor to Colonel Monroe, for 
the brave defence he had made. The troops were not to 
serve against the most Christian king under eighteen 
months, unless exchanged for an equal number of French 
prisoners. The French and Indians paid no regard to the 
articles of capitulation, but, falling on the ['English, stripped 
them of their baggage and a few remaining effects; and 
the Indians in the English service were dragged from the 
ranks, tomahawked and scalped. Men and women had 
27* 



318 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

their throats cut, their bodies ripped open, and their bow- 
els, with insult, tlirown in their faces. Infants and chil- 
dren were barbarously taken by the heels, and- their brains 
dashed out against stones and trees. The Indians pursued 
the English nearly half the way to Fort Edward, where 
the greatest number of them arrived in a most forlorn 
condition. It seems astonishing, that between two and 
three thousand troops, with arms in their hands, should, 
contrary to the most express stipulations, suffer these 
intolerable insults. When it was too late, General Webb 
alarmed the country, and put the colonies to great expense 
in sending on large detachments of the militia for the de- 
fence of the northern frontier. The sudden capture of the 
fort, the massacre made by the enemy's Indians, and sus- 
picions of General Webb's treachery, and an apprehension 
that General Montcalm would force liis way to Albany. 
put the country into a state of great alarm and consterna- 
tion. People were never more alarmed during the war. 
At the same time, there was never a more general and 
manly exertion. 

Connecticut detached and sent on, in a few days, about 
five thousand, men. She had raised and sent into the 
field fourteen hundred before, \vhich was more than her 
proportion. Large reinforcements were marched on to 
Albany and Fort Edward, from New York and the other 
colonies. General Webb, notwithstanding the great num- 
l)ers of men with which he was reinforced, did not make 
any effectual provision for the defence of the frontier set- 
tlements. No sooner was one expedition finished by the 
enemy, than another was undertaken. Soon after the 
reduction of Fort William Henry, the enemy, with fire 
and sword, laid waste the fine settlements at the German 
Flats, and on the Mohawk river. On the American sta- 
tion there were nearly twenty thousand regular troops, 
and a large number of provincials in service ; and yet one 
fortress and settlement after another were swept away, and 
everywhere the enemy rioted and triumphed with impu- 
nity. The army spent the remainder of the campaign in 
inactivity. The provincials, as the season for winter 



INCAPACITY OF THE BRITISH MINISTUY. 1757. 319 

([iiarters approached, returned to their respective colonies. 
The regular troops were stationed at Albany and P^ort 
Edward. Thus ended the inglorious campaign of 1757. 

13y this time, under the repeated disasters they had sus- 
tained, the colonies had very much lost their confidence in 
the British commanders in America. They, for two years, 
had witnessed their dilatory measures, tlieir inconsistency, 
want of foresight, and a spirit of enterprise, and had such 
bitter experience of the consequences, that they considered 
them as utterly disqualified for the important command 
which they held. To their incapacity and pusillanimity, 
wholly did they impute the loss of Oswego, Fort William 
Menry, and their other losses on the frontiers. Notwith- 
standing all the reinforcements which France had sent to 
(vanada, the British, every campaign, had a force much 
superior to the enemy. Had they been men of military 
genius, skill and enterprise, instead of the losses they sus- 
tained, they might have led on their troops to conquest and 
glory. Had the colonies been left to themselves, they 
would probably have done better. The first year of the 
war, when left to themselves, their achievements were 
honoraV)le and useful to the nation ; but now they had sus- 
tained two years of great expense, which had been worse 
than lost. Indeed, such were the ministry, and the men 
whom they employed, that misfortune and disaster attended 
them, in almost every quarter of the globe. A British his- 
torian observes, with respect to this third campaign in 
America, "that it ended to the eternal disgrace of those 
who then commanded the armies and directed the coun- 
sels of Great Britain." 

By this time, the disputes relative to the Ohio, Crown 
Point, and territory in America, had involved a great part 
of Europe in the flames of war. It had kindled in both 
the Indies, and extended its destructive influence beyond 
the Ganges. The disappointments and losses of the British 
nation for a succession of years, and its present exigencies, 
absolutely demanded a change of men and measures. Men 
of capacity and enterprise were necessary to retrieve its 
honor and prevent its ruin. 



320 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

By a most happy turn in Providence, those incomparable 
men, Mr. Pitt, Mr. liCgge, and their friends, had been 
chosen and estabhshed in the ministry, and had time to 
concert their measures and choose the men to carry them 
into execution. Now, therefore, everything relative to 
the nation, in Europe and America, took a new and sur- 
prising turn. Now men were brought forward, upon 
whose fidehty, skill, and spirit of enterprise, confidence 
might be placed. Notwithstanding the disappointments and 
losses of the past years, they determined on the reduction 
of Louisburg, with a view of cutting off the communication 
between France and Canada, of destroying the French 
fishery, and of securing the trade and fisheries of Great 
Britain and her colonies in America. At the same time, 
to gratify the colonies, and to draw forth their Avhole 
strength into exertion, they also determined on expeditions 
against Crown Point and Fort Du Quesne. 

Intimations of this, and of the expectations from the 
colonies, were, at an early period, given to them by letters 
from Mr. Pitt. These were written in a style which ani- 
mated their courage and drew forth their most spirited 
exertions. The people of Connecticut, in particular, ex- 
erted themselves in an extraordinary manner. A special 
assembly was convened, on the 8th of March, 1758, at New 
Haven, when Mr. Pitt's letter was communicated to the 
legislature, importing that his majesty had nothing more 
at heart than to repair the losses and disappointments of 
the last inactive and unhappy campaign, and, by the most 
vigorous and extensive efforts, to avert, by the blessing of 
God upon his arms, the dangers impending over North 
America, and not doubting but his faithful and brave sub- 
jects here would cheerfully cooperate with and second, to 
the utmost, the large expense and extraordinary succors 
supplied by his kingdom for their preservation and de- 
fence ; and that his majesty, judging that his colony, 
together with Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, New York and New Jersey, were able to furnish 
twenty thousand men, to join a body of the king's forces 
for invading Canada, and carrying the war into the heart 



PROCEEDINGS IN CONNECTICUT. 1755. 32! 

of the enemy's possessions ; and that it was his majesty's 
pleasure, that, with all possible despatch, there be raised 
as large a body of men as the number of inhabitants would 
allow, to begin the operations of the campaign as soon as 
practicable ; and, that no encouragement might be want- 
ing to so great and salutary an attempt, that strong 
recommendations would be made to parliament, to grant 
compensation for the expenses of said provinces, according 
as tlieir active vigor and strenuous efforts should appear 
justly to merit. 

The legislature resolved, that, "notwithstanding this 
colony, when acting with the several provinces aforesaid, 
in the three several expeditions undertaken the preceding 
years, against Crown Point, hath raised a much greater 
number of men than its just proportion, in comparison 
with what they then raised, by means of which the num- 
ber of men is greatly diminished, and its strength much 
exhausted, yet, that nothing be wanting on the part of this 
colony, to promote the great and good design proposed by 
Iiis majesty, and relying on his royal encouragement, five 
thousand good and effective men, including officers, shall 
be raised within this colony, as soon as may be, for the 
service aforesaid." It was resolved, at the same time, that 
"the assembly is sensible tliat it is really more than the 
number of men this colony can allow, witliout great diffi- 
culty, and much exceeds this colony's proportion, even of 
twenty thousand men, when compared with the other 
provinces." 

It was resolved that the said five thousand men should 
be formed into four regiments, consisting of twelve com- 
panies in each regiment ; that there should be one colonel, 
one lieutenant-colonel, one major, and one chaplain to a 
regiment. The honorable Phinehas Lyman, Esq., who 
had a general's command in 1755, Nathan Whiting, Esq., 
Eliphalet Dyar, Esq., and John Read, Esq., were appointed 
colonels, to command the respective regiments. The Rev. 
Messrs. George Beckwith, Joseph Fish, Benjamin Pome- 
roy, and Jonathan IngersoU, were appointed chaplains. 

To encourage the speedy enlistment of men for the ser- 



322 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

vice, the bonnty was increased much beyond what it had 
been in former years. All proper measures were adopted 
to raise the troops with expedition, and to have them 
seasonably in the field. To provide for the expenses of 
such a number of troops, the assembly enacted that thirty 
thousand pounds, lawful money, in bills of credit, at five 
per cent, interest, should be immediately i)rinted ; and that, 
for a fund for the sinking of said bills, a tax of eight pence 
on the pound should be levied on the grand list of the 
colony, to be brought in Anno Domini 1760. It was pro- 
vided, however, that such moneys as should arrive from 
Great Britain, for the rcimburspmcnt of the expenses of the 
war, should be applied, by the treasurer, for the purpose 
of sinking the said bills; and that if a sufficient sum 
should arrive, before the time fixed for the payment of 
said tax, to sink the whole, that then said tax should not 
be levied, and that the act respecting it should be null 
and void. That the treasurer might be able to pay the 
troops on their return from the public service, the as- 
sembly laid a tax of nine pence on the pound on the whole 
rateable estate of the colony, according to the list brought 
into the assembly in October last, and ordered that it 
should be collected by the last of December then following. 
And, as it was uncertain whether money Avould arrive 
sufficient to reimburse the expenses of the colony, in sea- 
son, a committee was appointed to borrow the sum of 
twenty-five thousand pounds, to be paid before the 20th 
of May, 1761. For an ample fund to repay the sum to be 
borrowed, a tax of five pence on the pound was levied oa 
the list which should be brought into the assembly in 
1759, to be paid into the treasury by the last of December, 
1760. 

It was enacted also, that any of the notes given for the 
money borrowed, might be received in payment of said 
tax. But, as considerable sums of money were expected 
from England, for provisions furnished for the troops 
under Lord Loudon, in 1756, it was enacted that said 
money, as fast as it should arrive, should be applied to 
discharge the notes given for the money borrowed, and 



ATTACK OF LOUISBURG. 1753. 323 

that if a sufficient sum should seasonably arrive to dis- 
charge all the notes, that then said tax should not be 
collected. That nothing might be left undone, which 
could be attempted for his majesty's service, the commis- 
sioners, appointed in October, to meet those from the other 
colonics, were now authorized to meet them at Hartford 
on the 19th of April, or as near that time as might be, to 
consult on measures for the general safety, and to excite 
the several colonies to the most vigorous and united exer- 
tions to carry his majesty's designs into execution. As it 
appeared, by Mr. Pitt's letter, that Major General Aber- 
crombie was chief commander of the troops for the north- 
ern expedition, the governor was desired to give him the 
earliest information of the measures adopted by the colo- 
nies, and their vigorous preparations for an early and 
successful campaign. 

While the colonics were employing the most vigorous 
exertions for an early campaign, such effectual measures 
had been pursued in England, that, in February, 1758, the 
armament designed for the reduction of Louisburg was in 
readiness, and sailed for America. Admiral Boscawen 
commanded the naval, and (jeticral Amherst the land 
operations. Under General Amherst was Brigadier Gen- 
eral Wolfe. These were men of singular characters. Gen- 
eral Amherst had the coolness and abilities of the Roman 
Fabius, while General Wolfe possessed the magnanimity 
and fire of the Scipios. From such men great achieve- 
ments might reasonably be expected, and their successes 
equalled the most sanguine expectations. Admiral Bos- 
cawen and General Amherst, with the armament under 
their command, arrived safely at Boston; and, on the 28th 
of May, the whole fleet, consisting of one hundred and fifty- 
seven sail, with about fourteen thousand troops on board, 
including reinforcements from New England, took its de- 
parture from Halifax, and, on the second of June, appear- 
ed before Louisburg. For six days the landing of the 
troops was impracticable. The surf was so great that no 
boat could live near the shore. On every part of the coast 
where a landing was judged practicable, the enemy had 



324 FKENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

made entrenchments ; and, in places most convenient for 
the purpose, they had erected batteries, and mounted can- 
non. During the whole time after the discovery of the 
fleet, until the landing of the troops, the enemy employed 
themselves in strengthening their lines. These they man- 
ned with numerous infantry. General Amherst, with a 
number of his ollicers, reconnoitered the shore. 

On the 8th, the weather became more favorable, though 
there was yet a great swell and surf. The general, deter- 
mining not to lose a moment, seized the opportunity. Be- 
fore the break of day, the troops were embarked in three 
divisions. The admiral and general made their dispositions 
with consummate judgment. To distract the enemy, and 
draw their attention to different parts, the dispositions were 
made in this manner : — The divisions on the right and in 
the centre were designed only for feints, while that on the 
left was appointed for the real attack. This was com- 
manded by General Wolfe. Before the landing, five frigates 
and some other ships of war commenced a furious fire, not 
only on the centre, but on the right and left of the enemy, 
to rake them in their flanks. When these had fired about 
fifteen minutes. General Wolfe pressed to the shore. The 
enemy reserved his fire until the boats were nearly in sliore, 
and then poured upon tliom the luiitcd blaze and thunder 
of their musketry and cannon. Many of the boats were 
overset, and others dashed in pieces. Some of the men were 
thrown, and others leaped into the water; and while some 
were killed, and others drowned, the main body, supported 
and animated by the noble example and conduct of their 
commander, pushed to the land, and with such order and 
resolution rushed on the enemy, as soon put them into con- 
fusion, and drove them from their entrenchments. When 
General Wolfe had made good his landing, the centre divis- 
ion having moved to the left, and the right following the 
centre, the landing was completed in excellent order. 

For many days the weather was so bad, and the swell 
and surf so great, that scarcely any of the artillery or stores 
could be landed. It was with great difficulty that even the 
tents, provisions, and implements for the siege, were got on 



II 



CAPTURE OF LOUISBURG. 1758. 325 

shore. The weather was so bad at the time of landing, and 
during the siege, that a hundred boats were lost in the ser- 
vice. The enemy had five ships of the hne and one or 
more frigates in the harbor, and could bring their gims to 
bear upon the troops, in their approaches. The ground 
was exceedingly bad ; in some places rough, in others bog- 
gy, wet, and miry. These obstacles, with a brave resist- 
ance from the enemy, caused the siege for some time to 
proceed slowly. But no discouragements were judged 
insurmountable by such generals as Amherst and Wolfe. 
By the I2th of .Tunc, General Wolfe had secured the point 
called the light-house battery, and all the posts in that 
quarter. On the 2.5th, he had silenced the island battery ; 
but the shipping in the harbor kept up the fire upon him 
until the 21st of July. One of the ships then took fire and 
blew up. This set two others on fire, which burnt to the 
water's edge. This was to the enemy an irreparable loss. 
By this time, General Amherst had made his approaches 
near to the city ; so that he was in good forwardness to 
make lodgments on the covered way. The town, in many 
places, was consumed to the ground, and, in others, was 
much damaged. The fire of the enemy greatly languished, 
yet no proposals of capitulation were made. One bold 
action more was necessary to bring them to terms ; — that 
was, to destroy, or bring off', the ships remaining in the har- 
bor. For this purpose, the admiral sent in a detachment 
of six hundred men, under the command of two enterpris- 
ing young captains, Laforey and Balfour. Between the 
25th and 26th of the month, under the darkness of the 
night, they made their way through a terrible fire of can- 
non and musketry, and, sword in hand, took the two ships. 
One ran aground, and was burnt; the other they rowed 
out of the harbor, in triumph. The next morning, the 
governor proposed terms of capitulation. The garrison, 
consisting of five thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven 
men, surrendered prisoners of war. One hundred and 
twenty -one cannon, eighteen mortars, and large quantities 
of stores and ammunition, were taken. The enemy lost 
five ships of the line and four frigates, besides other vessels, 
28 



326 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



St. Jolin's, with Louisburg, was given up, on the 27th of 
June, 1758, aiid the Enghsli became masters of the whole 
coast, from the St. liawrcnco to Nova Scotia. This was 
the most etfcctual blow to France, which slie had received 
since the commencement of the war. It was a deep wonnd 
to her navy, and especially to her colonies and interests in 
America. It very mnch cut off her communication with 
Canada, and greatly facilitated the reduction of that 
coimtry. 




Capture of Louisburg. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

French and Indian Wars. — Kjpnditwn of Gf^eral Abercrornhie against 
TtcondKToga and Cyown Point — D'Mth of Lrjrd Howe — Attack of Ti- 
conderoga — Failure of the expedition and retreat of the army — Imbe- 
cility of General AhercronJAe — Capture of Fort Fronlenac by Colonel 
Bradstreet — Expedition of General Forfjex ogamst Fort Du Qixesne — 
The French abandon the fort — Close of the campaign of 1758 — Suc- 
cesses of the British army — Campaign of 1759 — J^exo invasion of 
Canada — Expeditions of Aruherst, Prideaux and Sir William Johnson 
— Capture of Niagara hy the British — Expeditum against Quebec — 
Attack on the city by General Wolfe — Death of Wolfe and surrender 
of Quebec — Capture of Montreal — Final acquisition of Canada, Nova 
Scotia and Cope Breton by Great Britain. 

As the reduction of Ticonderoga and Crown Point was 
a favorite object with the northern colonies, they made 
early and great exertions for carrying it into effectual exe- 
cution. Besides the assistance which they gave to the 
reduction of Louisburg, they furnished about ten thousand 
men for the northern expedition. These, in conjunction 
with between six and seven thousand regular troops under 
General Abercronibie, had, by the beginning of July, 1758, 
got into Lake George more than a thousand boats and 
batteaux, a fine train of artillery, provisions, ana every- 
thing necessary for an attack on the fortresses of the enemy. 

On the 5th of July, the army, consisting of fifteer. thou- 
sand three hundred and ninety effective men, embarked in 
nine hundred batteaux, and one hundred and thirty-five 
whale boats, for Ticonderoga. Besides, there were a 
number of rafts, on which cannon were mounted to cover 
the landing of the troops. Early next morning, they landed 
at the north end of Lake George, without opposition. The 
army formed in four columns, and began their march for 
Ticonderoga. But. as the woods were thick, and the 



328 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

guides unskilful, the troops wore bowiUlercd, and the 
cohnnns, lalliui:; in one upon auothrr. Avoir entirely broken. 
In this eont'usion, 1-ord Jh>\ve, advaneing at the head of 
the right centre column, fell in with the advanced guard 
of the enemy, consisting of a battalion of regulars and a 
few Indians, who had deserted their advanced camp, near 
the lake, and were ])recipitately lleeing from our tro(^|>s, 
but had lost their way, and were bewildered in the same 
way as they were. The enemy discharged, and killed 
liOrd Howe at the first tire. The suddenness of the attack, 
the terribleness of the Indian yell, and the fall of Lord 
Howe, threw the regulars, who com]>osed the centre 
columns, into a general panic and contusion; but the ])ro- 
viucials, who flaidced Ibem. and were ac(]uaiuted with 
their mode of (ii:;htinir. stootl their around, and soon do- 
feated them. The loss of the enemy was about three 
hundred killed, and ouo hundred and forty-eigbt taken. 
The loss of the English was inconsidtMable as to numbers, 
but ill worth and consequences it Avas great. The loss of 
that gallant oliieer, Lord HoAA-^e, Avas irreparable. 

Fr«im the day of his arrival in America, he had con- 
formed himself, and made his regiment to conform, to that 
kind of seiwice Avhieh the country required. He was the 
ih'st to endure hunger and fatigue, to encounter danger, 
and to sacrilice all personal considerations to the ]Mil)lic 
service. While he was rigid in disci]iline. by his alfability, 
condescending and easy manners, ho conciliated athn'tion, 
and commanded universal esteem. Indeed, he Avas con- 
sidered A'ory much as the idol and lite of the army. The 
loss of such a man, at such a time, cannot be estimated. 
To this, the provincials attributed the deleat and unhappy 
conse(iuoncos Avhieh followed. 

As the troojis for tAvo nights had slept little, Avere greatly 
latigued, and noodixl refreslnnonf, the general ordered 
them to return to the landing-place, Avhcre they arrived at 
eight in the morning. 

Colonel Hradsfreot AX'as soon after detached Avith a strong 
corps, to take possession oi' the saw-mill, aboiU tAvo miles 
Iroin Ticonderoga, which the enemy had abandoned. 



ABERCROMBIE's campaign in CANADA. 1758. 329 

Towards the close of the day, the whole army marched 
to the mill. The general, having received information 
that the garrison at Ticondcroga consisted of ahout six 
thousand men, and that a reinforcement of three thousand 
more was daily expected, determined to lose no time in 
attacking their lines. He ordered his engineer to recon- 
noitre the ground and intrenchments of the enemy. Jt 
seems that he had not so approached and examined them 
as to obtain any proper idea of them. iJe made a favora- 
ble report of their wfiakness, and of the facility of forcing 
them without cannon. On this groundless report, a rash 
and fatal resolution was taken, to attack the lines without 
bringing up the artillery. 

The army advanced to the charge with the greatest 
intrepidity, and for more than four hours, with incredible 
obstinacy, maintained the attack. Hut the works where 
the principal attack was made, were eight or nine feet 
high, and impregnable even by field-pieces; and, for nearly 
a hundred yards from the breastwork, trees were felled 
so thick, and so wrought together, with their limbs pointing 
outward, that it rendered the approach of the troops, in 
a great measure, impossible. In this dreadful situation, 
under the fire of about three thousand of the enemy, these 
gallant troops were kept, without the least prospect of suc- 
cess, until nearly two thousand were killed and wounded. 
They were then called off. '^J'o tliis rash and precipitate 
attack succeeded a retreat equally unadvised and precipi- 
tate. By the evening of the next day, the army had re- 
treated to their former encampment at the south end of lake 
George. Psothing could have been more contrary to the 
opinions, or more mortifying to the feelings, of the provin- 
cials, than til is whole affair. They viewed the attack 
upon the lines, without the artillery, as the height of mad- 
ness. Besides, it was made under every disadvantage to 
the assailants. The enemy's lines were of great extent, 
nearly three quarters of a mile. On the right of the com- 
mon path towards South bay, and especially on the north, 
they were weak and of little consideration. In both these 
28* 



330 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAKS. 

quarters they might have been approached under the cover 
of a thick wood. 

The army was sufficiently numerous to attack the hues 
in tlieir whole extent at once, or at least in a very great 
part of them, and to have drawn their attention to various 
parts of their lines. But, unhappily, the attack was made 
upon a small part of them, Avhere they were far the strong- 
est and most inaccessible. As no attacks or feints were 
made in other parts, the enemy were left to pour their 
whole fire on a small spot, while the wdiolc army could 
not approach it. Besides, the general never approached 
the field, where his presence was indispensably necessary, 
but remained at the mill, where he could sec nothing of 
the action, nor know anything, only by information at a 
distance of two miles. By reason of this, the troops, for 
hours after they should have been called olf, were pushed 
on to inevitable slaughter. But especially did the provin- 
cials reprobate the retreat. They considered themselves 
as more than a match for the enemy, should their pre- 
tended reinforcements arrive. The army, after this bloody 
atfair, consisted of fourteen thousand en'cctive men. Alter 
all the pom[)ous accounts of the numbers of the enemy, 
they amounted to little more than three thousand. When 
the general retreated, he had more than four effective men 
to one of theirs. He had a iine train of artillery, and there 
were strong grounds on which he might have encamped 
with the utmost safety. 'J'here were eminences, Avhich 
commanded all the works of the enemy, whence he might 
have entiladcd their front, and poured destruction on their 
whole lines and camp. The provincial ollicers were, there- 
fore, clearly of the opinion that there Avas the fairest pros- 
pect of success, notwithstanding their mistortune, cotdd the 
expedition only be prosecuted with energy and prudence. 
But the general took his own way, without advising with 
them, and appeared to retreat with the utmost perturbation. 
General Abcrcrombie never had been high in the estima- 
tion of the provincials after the loss of Oswego; but now 
he sunk into contempt. They generally called him Mrs. 
Nabbycrombie, importing that petticoats would much bet- 



CAPTURE OF FORT DU QUESNE. 1753. 331 

ter become him than breeches. To repair, as far as might 
be, the disaster at Ticonderoga, the general detached Col- 
onel Bradslreet, with three thousand provincials, on an 
expedition against Fort Frontcnac. With those troops, 
Bradstrect sailed down the Ontario, landed within a mile 
of the fort, opened his batteries, and, in two days, forced 
this important fortress to surrender. 

While these events were taking place in the northern 
department, General Forbes, who had been appointed to 
command the expedition to the southward, was advancing, 
with great activity and labor, to the conquest of Fort Du 
Quesne. About eight thousand men had been assigned to 
this service. In June, 1758, the general marched from 
Philadelphia for the Ohio. An attack, however, was need- 
less, the fort having been deserted by the garrison the even- 
ing before the arrival of the army. General Forbes took 
quiet possession of the place, and repaired the fort, and 
named it Fort Pitt, in honor to secretary Pitt. The in- 
credible fatigues of this campaign so broke the constitution 
of this vigilant and brave commander, that he returned to 
Philadelphia in a very enfeebled state; where, after lan- 
guishing a short time, he died, universally lamented. 

When General Amherst arrived with his troops at the 
lakes, the season was so far advanced, and such a body of 
troops had been drawn off for the expedition under Colonel 
Bradstrcet, that he judged it unadvisable to make any fur- 
ther attempts against the enemy during that campaign. 
Notwithstanding the defeat at Ticonderoga, the campaign 
closed with great honor and advantage, not only to the 
colonies, but to the nation in general. In this, the fourth 
year after the commencement of hostilities, the English 
had not only reduced Louisburg, St. Johns, and PVontenac, 
but had made themselves the undisturbed possessors of 
that fine tract of country, the contention for which had 
kindled the flames of war in so general and destructive a 
manner. Success had attended the British arms, not only 
in America, but in almost every quarter of the globe. The 
succes.ses in America, besides many other important ad- 
vantages, paved the way for that series of successful 



332 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAKS. 

events, which terminated in the entire reduction of Canada. 
Another favorable occurrence of this year, which had its 
influence in that great event, was a general treaty and 
pacification with all tlie Indian nations inhabiting between 
the Appalachian mountains and the lakes. This was com- 
pleted at Easton, on the Sth of October, 1758. 

In 1759, it was proposed again to invade Canada, and it 
was determined that three powerful armies should enter 
the country by ditferent routes, and commence an attack 
at the same time. General Amherst, who commanded one 
division, in his route attacked Ticonderoga. The garrison 
soon surrendered, as the principal part of them had retired 
to Crown Point. General Amherst proceeded against this 
place, and took possession of it, but the enemy, before their 
arrival, fled to Isle aux Noix, in the northern part of lake 
Champlain. The second party, commanded by General 
Prideaux, was destined against Niagara, but he was killed 
by the bursting of a cohorn. Sir William Johnson, on 
whom the command now rested, successfully put in execu- 
tion the plans of his lamented predecessor ; and, on the 24th 
of July, a general battle took place. The action was 
warm and bloody, and the carnage was great, but the 
conflict was short ; which placed Niagara in the hands of 
the English. 

An expedition against Quebec was the most daring and 
important. That place was so well strengthened, that all 
expeditions against it had failed. It was commanded by 
Montcalm, who was posted below the town, M'itli a strong 
force, and the town was covered by an army of ten thou- 
sand men. General Wolfe was determined to try his skill 
in this case. He soon took possession of Point Levi, on 
the southern bank of the St. Lawrence, and erected bat- 
teries. By means of these, he destroyed many houses, but 
made little impression on the fortifications of the town. 
Wolfe made several further attempts to reduce tha place, 
but they all proved unsuccessful. He also attempted to 
destroy the shipping; this attempt also proved abortive. 
Stung with chagrin at his own disappointment, Wolfe 
determined to ascend a precipice of about one hundred and 



WOLFE S ATTACK OF QUEBEC. — 1758. 



333 



seventy- five feet, by which he might gain the heights of 
Abraham. 




Quebec. 

On the 12th of September, one hour after midnight, 
Wolfe, with his army, leaving the ships, embarked in 
boats, and silently dropped down with the current, intend- 
ing to land a league above Cape Diamond, and thus to 
gain the heights of Abraham. But, owing to the rapidity 
of the current, they fell below their intended place, and 
disembarked at what is now called Wolfe's Cove, a mile, 
or a mile and a half, above the city. The operation was a 
most critical one ; they had to navigate in silence, down a 
rapid stream — to hit upon the right place for a landing, 
which, in the dark, might be easily mistaken — the shore 
was shelving, and the bank to be ascended was steep and 
lofty, and scarcely practicable, even without opposition. 
Doubtless, it was this combination of circumstances which 
lulled the vigilance of the wary and discerning Montcalm. 
He thought such an enterprise absolutely impracticable, 
and therefore had stationed only sentinels and picket 
guards along this precipitous shore. Indeed, the attempt 
was in the greatest danger of being defeated by an occur- 



334 FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 

rence, which is very interesting, as marking, much more 
emphatically than dry official accounts can do, the very 
great delicacy of the transaction. One of the French sen- 
tinels, posted along the shore, challenged the English boats 
in the customary military language of the French: "Qui 
vit? " "Who goes there?" to which a captain of Frazer's 
regiment, who had served in Holland, and was familiar 
with the French language and customs, promptly replied, 
"La France." The next question was much more embar- 
rassing; for the sentinel demanded, "A quel 7-egiment V 
" To what regiment ? " The captain, who happened to 
know the name of one of the regiments which was up the 
river with Bougainville, promptly rejoined, "De la Reine," 
" The queen's." The soldier immediately replied, "Passe;" 
for he concluded, at once, that this was a French convoy 
of provisions, which, as the English had learned from some 
deserters, was expected to pass down the river to Uuebcc. 
The other sentinels were deceived in a similar manner ; but 
one, less credulous than the rest, running down to the 
water's edge, called out, " Why don't you speak louder? " 
The same captain, with perfect self-command, replied, 
" Hush, we shall be overheard and discovered." The sen- 
try, satisfied with this caution, retired. The British boats 
were on the point of being fired into by the captain of one 
of their own transport ships, who, ignoi'ant of what was 
going on, took thcni for French ; but General Wolfe, per- 
ceiving the commotion on board, rowed alongside in per- 
son, and prevented the firing, which would have alarmed 
the town, and frustrated the enterprise. 

General Wolfe, although greatly reduced by a fever, and 
dysentery was superadded, was, nevertheless, the first man 
to leap ashore. The rugged precipices, full of projections 
of rocks, and of trees and shrubs, growing everywhere 
among the cliffs, into which the bank was broken, pre- 
sented a most forbidding appearance, and General Wolfe, 
familiarly speaking to an officer who stood by, said, " I 
don't believe there is any possibility of getting up, but you 
must do your endeavor." There was only a narrow 
path, leading obliquely up the hill ; this had been rendered 



CAPTURE OF QUEBEC. — 1758. 335 

by the enemy impassable, in consequence of being broken 
up by cross ditches, and there was, besides, an entrench- 
ment at the top, defended by a captain's guard. This 
guard was easily dispersed, and the troops then pulled 
themselves up, by taking hold of the boughs and stumps 
of the trees, and of the projections of the rocks. This pre- 
cipice (which may be, in different places, from one hun- 
dred and fifty to two hundred feet high) is still very rude 
and rugged, but probably much less so than in 1759; it 
can now be surmounted, without very great difficulty, by 
men who are unmolested. Wolfe staked all upon a very 
hazardous adventure. Had he been discovered prema- 
turely, through a spy, a deserter, or an alarmed sentry, his 
army would have been inevitably lost ; but, having gained 
the heights, he formed his troops, and met the enemy in 
good order. 

When Montcalm first received information that the Eng- 
lish occupied the heights of Abraham, he was greatly sur- 
prised. He saw that a battle was inevitable, and prepared 
to fight. The French advanced briskly ; the English 
reserved their fire until the enemy were near, and then 
gave it with decisive effect. Early in the engagement, 
Wolfe received a slight wound in his wrist, but, binding 
his handkerchief around it, he continued to encourage his 
men. Soon after this, he received another in his groin. 
This he also concealed, and continued to urge on his 
troops, until a third ball pierced his breast, which obliged 
him to quit the command, which fell on Monckton. He 
was soon wounded, and the command devolved upon 
Tovvnshend. At this moment, Montcalm, fighting at the 
head of his men, was mortally wounded, and General Jen- 
nezergus, his second in command, also fell. The loss of 
their commanders caused the French to give way. Wolfe, 
who was reclining his head on the arm of an officer, was 
aroused by the cry of " They fly — they fly ! " The hero 
eagerly asked, "Who fly?" Being informed the French 
were routed, "Then," said he, "I die in peace," and ex- 
pired. In five days after the battle, the city surrendered, 
and received an English garrison. In September, 1760, 



336 



FRENCH AND INUIAN WARS. 



Montreal foil into the luiiuls of the English, and, soon after, 
all the Kronoh posts in Canada fell into their power. Thus 
ended a war, wliioh had eontinued six years, which had 
cost many thousand lives and nnieh distress. In 1763, 
Novatx'otia, Canada, the Isle of (^ape IJrcton, and all other 
islands in the gnlf, and near the St. Lawrence, were ceded 
by treaty to the British crown. 




Death of Wolfe. 



AMEllICAN llEVOLUTION. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



Amkiucan Hevomjtion. — ^Intp. nf frdin^ omonfj^ thf. North Arnrrican 
colonisLs — Layallij of the Americans — KJpxt of the peace of Pans — 
Political priuileges of the colonies — Scheme for taxing the Americans — 
Resolutions of the House of Commons — Imposition of duties on imports 
— Penal cnarlnients — lieriMnslrnnces of the colonists — Sr/ume for a 
stamp art — Opposition in the House of (ji/n/nons — Speech of Colonel 
Barre — The stamp act passed — Fran/din's remark upon the stamp act — 
Consternation in America — General disaffection of the colonies — lieso- 
lutions in the legislature of Virginia — Speech of Patrick Henry — Com- 
bination among the colonies — Kxcitement on the subject oj the stamp act 
— Disturbances at Boston — Affairs in Cojinecticut ami the southern 
colonies — Stamped paper burnt at Nero York — General opposition to 
the stamp act — Discontent in Hag land — Speech of Lord Chatham in 
parliament — Repeal of the stamp act — Farther designs of the British 
government — The tea tax — Proceedings in Massachusetts — (Convention 
at Boston — British troops sent to Hoston — Non-importation league — ■ 
Boston Massacre — Disco very rf the Hutchinson letters — Great excite- 
ment at Boston — Arrival if the tea ships — Ferment at Boston — De- 
struction of the tea. 

The history of the North American colonies now assumes 
an entirely new character, although the spirit and temper 
of the colonists remained the same. Great IJritain had from 
the beginning treated her children in the western world as 
a grudging and unnatural step-mother. 'I'he narrow and 
illiheral policy of the British government towards her 
North American colonics, from their first settlement, was 



340 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

calculated to alienate the aflections of the colonies from the 
parent country ; yet, from their exposed situation and 
habitual loyalty, tiiis conduct, long persevered in, produced 
no sensible impression on the Americans ; their loyalty and 
attachment to the interests of 13ritain were not in the small- 
est degree impaired, down to the period of the peace of 
Paris, in 1703. Never had they shown so much zeal, or 
made such great sacrifices in the cause of their country, as 
during the preceding war ; having lost more than twenty- 
five thousand men, expended all the revenues they could 
raise, and involved themselves deeply in debt. Nearly all 
the burden of the war in America had fallen on the colo- 
nies; and their exertions were altogether disproportionate 
to their means, and tended greatly to impoverish and dis- 
tress them. After eight years' arduous struggles, attended 
with the greatest sacrifices, the successful termination of 
the war, — the dominion of France in America being relin- 
quished forever, — occasioned universal joy throughout the 
colonies; they forgot their sufferings and distresses, in the 
fair prospects wjiich the peace afforded. 

But these prospects were of short duration ; the peace of 
Paris formed a new era in the views and conduct of Great 
Britain towards her colonies in America. The possessions 
of France in America having been ceded to firitain, and 
having no longer any fear of her power in this hemisphere, 
a system of measures was pursued towards the colonies, 
originating in jealousy, and tending to despotism. As soon 
as the colonies had fought their way to a condition which 
aflbrded the prospect of rapidly increasing in population 
and wealth, attempts were made to restrict their commer- 
cial and political privileges, and gradually to reduce them 
to the most wretched state of colonial vassalage. For a 
century and a half, the colonies had been left to themselves, 
as to taxation; their own local assemblies had provided the 
necessary revenues to defray the expenses of their govern- 
ments; and the parliament of Great Britain had, neither 
directly nor indirectly, ever attempted to derive a dollar of 
revenue from America. Although various acts had from 
thne to time been passed, regulating the trade and com- 



PROJECTS OF TAXING THE COLONIES. 1764. 341 

merce of the coloiiies, yet none of these were designed or 
regarded, either in Britain or America, as revenue laws. 

But, in an inauspicious moment, the British ministry con- 
ceived the idea of taxing the colonies, under the pretence 
of providing for their protection, hut in reality to relieve 
the nation from the immense debt, the weight of which 
hung heavily upon it. This impolitic .scheme, originating 
with the cabinet, was easily introduced into parliament; 
and, in March, 17G4, as a prelude to the memorable stamp 
uct^ the house of commons resolved, — " That towards 
defraying the necessary expenses of protecting the colonies, 
it may be necessary to cliarge certain, stamp duties upon 
litem, i""^ and this resolution was followed by what was 
commonly called the sugar act, passed on the 5th of April, 
and introduced by the following truly alarming preamble : 
" Whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue he 
raised in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, 
protecting, and securing the same; we, the commons, &c., 
towards raising the same, give and grant unto your majesty 
after the 29lh day of SeptemVjer, 1704, on clayed sugar, 
indigo, and coffee, of foreign produce, and various other 
articles, the sum of," &c. This was the first act adopted 
by parliament for the avowed object of raising a revenue 
in the colonies. 

The justice of this measure, which appeared so clear to 
the British parliament, was regarded in America as o/?/>re5- 
sion and tyranny, and occasioned great excitement and 
alarm. The deceptive pretension, that the revenue was to 
be raised for the purpose of protecting the colonies, was 
only adding insult to injustice ; as the colonies supposed 
that they were capable of protecting themselves ; and they 
apprehended that the object was rather, under the pretence 
of affording them protection, to maintain a military force 
in America, for the purpose of dragooning them into sub- 
mission, and enforcing an unconstitutional system of taxa- 
tion; thereby rendering them the instruments of forging 
their own chains. 

This act was rendered more disgusting by a provision 
that the money raised by it must be paid in specie, and 
29* 



342 



AMEKICAN KKVOLUTION. 



another, that those charged with having violated the rcv«- 
nue hiws might be prosecuted in the courts of admiralty; 
whereby they were deprived of the privilege of trial by a 
jury, and were liable to be condemned by a single officer 
of tlic crown, whose salary was to be paid from the very 
forfeitures decreed by himself. And this was not all, or 
even the worst; as the trial was conducted on such prin- 
ciples, that the accused, contrary to the well-known maxims 
of thccounnou law, and repugnant to every idea of justice, 
was obliged to prove himself innocent, or suffer the pen- 
alties of the law. These iniquitous proceedings destroyed 
all security of property, and left every one at the mercy 
of the minions of the British croAvn. Their pernicious 
inllucnce was soon felt extensively in the colonies; they no 
longer regarded Circat IJritain as an aHectionate mother, 
but viewed her in the light of ascUish, cruel, and imperious 
step-mother. 




Gcvrifc GiCHville. 



The designs of the ministry were perceived, and occa- 
sioned great alarm, which spread wider and wider, until 



THE .STAMP ACT. 1765. 



343 



it became universal in the colony. The press, that great 
engine of truth and liberty, was called into requisition ; the 
subject was ably and (ilaborately discussed ; and the more 
it was discus.scd, and the heller it was understood, the 
more strong and delerniiiied the opposition became. All 
the colonies petitioned and remonstrated against these 
obnoxious measures, and most of tliem appointed agents to 
present their memorials to parliament, or the king. But, 
notwithstanding the opposition and excitement in America, 
and the remonstrances of the colonics, Mr. (jJcorge (jlrc.n- 
ville, who was at the head of the treasury, prej)ared the 
.Stamp Act, and introduced it into parliament in l-'ebruary. 
17(35. It was opposed, with all the powers of eloqueiire, 
by Alderman Heckford, Mr. Jackson, Colonel Barr6, Sir 
William Meredith, and others. 




In the debate on the stamp act, Mr. Charles Townshend, 
defending the measure, used the following language: 
"And now will these Americans, children planted by our 
own care, nourished up by our indulgence till they are 



344 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

grown to a degree of strength and opulence, and protected 
by our arms ; — will they grudge to contribue their mite to 
relieve us from the heavy weight of that burden which 
we lie under?" This called forth an energetic and elo- 
quent reply from Colonel Barre, the friend of the colonists, 
and the individual who conferred on them the name by 
which they were known during the early part of the strug- 
gle — that of " Sons of Liberty." He retorted upon Towns- 
hend in the following style : — " They planted by your 
care! — No — your oppressions planted them in America. 
They fled from your tyranny to a then uncultivated and 
inhospitable country, where they exposed themselves to 
almost all the hardships to which human nature is liable. 
And yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, 
they met all hardships with pleasure, compared with those 
they suffered in their own country from those who should 
have been their friends. — They nourished vp by your 
indulgence ! They grew up by your neglect of them. As 
soon as you began to care about them, that care was exer- 
cised in sending persons to rule them, to spy out their 
liberties, to misrepresent their actions, and to prey upon 
them. — They protected by your arms! They have nobly 
taken up arms in your defence; have exerted a valor, 
amidst their constant and laborious industry, for the de- 
fence of a country whose frontier was drenched in blood, 
while its interior parts yielded all its little savings to your 
emolument. I know more of America than the most of 
you, having seen, and been conversant in that country. 
The people, 1 believe, are as truly loyal as any subjects 
the king has, but they are a people jealous of their liber- 
ties, and who will vindicate theni^ if they shoidd be violated. 
The subject is too delicate — I will say no more." These 
bold and forcible apostrophes, thrown out on the spur of 
the moment, with exceeding force and confidence, threw 
the whole house of commons into amazement. The mem- 
bers were struck dumb, and sat for some minutes, gazing 
upon one another in silent amazement. 

On the second reading of the bill, various petitions, not 
only from the colonics, but from the London merchants 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 345 

interested in the American trade, were presented ; but the 
petitions were not even received, being refused on the plea 
that no memorial could be received on a money bill. Hav 
ing passed both houses of parliament, on the 22d of March, 
the stamp act received the royal assent. Dr. Franklin, 
then in England, as agent for Pennsylvania, wrote to 
Charles Thompson, afterwards secretary of congress — 
" The sun of liberty is set; you must light up the lamps 
of industry and economy." Mr. Thompson, in a spirited 
reply, observed, " that he thought olhcr lights would be 
lighted up to resist these unconstitutional measures." It 
is unnecessary to add, that this prediction was soon ful- 
filled. 

This unjust and impolitic act was the first great cause 
which led to the American revolution. It was passed in 
parliament on the 7th of February, 17G5, under the min- 
istry of Grenville. The period of thirteen months which 
followed, was the most eventful and tumultuous of any 
which had hitherto occurred in the colonies ; the appre- 
hensions of the people were roused to the highest pitch, 
and the most determined spirit of opposition prevailed 
throughout the colonies. 

The Americans had not believed that the act would be 
passed ; and, on receiving the intelligence, every one was 
struck with astonishment, and filled with consternation. 
They looked at each other with amazement, and, for a 
short interval, hesitated what course to pursue; but soon, 
recovering from their consternation, they determined hot 
to submit to such a flagrant outrage on their rights. In 
Boston, the ships in the harbor, in token of the deepest 
mourning, suspended their colors half-mast high ; the bells 
were tolled ; and the hateful act, with a death's head in 
front of it, with the motto — " The folly of England, and 
the ruin of America,''^ was paraded in solemn procession 
about the streets. 

A settled discontent soon spread throughout the colonies, 
and the opposition became general and determined ; the 
spirit of the people gave a tone to the colonial assemblies, 
and bold and decided resolutions were adopted against the 



346 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

iniquitous scheme of parliamentary taxation. Virginia 
togk the lead, and, on the 28th of May, 1765, Patrick 
Henry introduced his celebrated resolutions into the house 
of burgesses, which declared that the inhabitants of that 
colony were entitled to, and had possessed and enjoyed, all 
the rights, liberties, and privileges of the people of Great 
Britain; that the general assembly of the colony had 
always exercised, and alone possessed, the power to levy 
taxes and imposts on the inhabitants of the colony, and 
that they " were not bound to yield obedience to any law 
or ordinance whatsoever, designed to impose any taxation 
whatever upon them, other than the law and ordinances of 
the general assembly." In his defence of these resolutions, 
Henry gave vent to that celebrated burst of eloquence : 
" Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, 

and George the Third" "Treason! treason!" burst 

from the lips of the speaker, and most of the members of 
the assembly. Henry faltered not an instant, but, with 
the most emphatic determination of voice and manner, 
continued, — ^^ may jn'ofit by their example ! " 

These resolutions were communicated to all the colo- 
nies, and the spirit they breathed spread from one legisla- 
ture to another, and their sentiments were reiterated in 
resolutions adopted by the legislatures, and the freemen in 
public meetings. Committees were appointed, by the 
assemblies of the colonics, to correspond with each other, 
and to meet for consultation ; the olijcct of which was to 
secure harmony of feeling and concert of action. These 
measures had a very happy elfect. In the mean time, the 
press teemed with constant publications, vindicating the 
rights of tbe colonics ; and many of them were of a highly 
inflammatory character, calculated to raise the public 
mind to the highest pitch. The pulpit, also, particularly 
in New England, labored in the same cause, with great 
zeal and effect. The flame of liberty kindled from breast 
to breast, and spread from province to province, until 
the conflagration became general. The spirit of opposi- 
tion ran so high, as to break out into acts of tumult and 
disorder. 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 



347 




Patrick Henry. 

In Boston, the effigy of Mr. Oliver, the stamp master, 
was burnt, and his house assailed, partly demolished, and 
his furniture destroyed ; and, soon after, the house of Wil- 
ham Storer, deputy-register of the court of admiralty, was 
attacked, and the books and files of the court destroyed ; 
and the house of Benjamin Hallowcll, comptroller of the 
customs, shared the same fate. These outrages were 
followed by a more bold and daring attack upon the dwell- 
ing of Mr. Hutchinson, lieutenant-governor of tlie prov- 
ince; he was obliged to flee to save his life, and his 
house was entirely demolished, except the walls, and every- 
thing in it destroyed or carried off. Similar outrages were 
committed in other places. In Connecticut, Mr. Ingersoll, 
the stamp officer, was burnt in effigy in many towns ; and 
whilst he was proceeding from New Haven to Hartford, 
where the assembly was in session, he was pursued and 
overtaken by a large concourse of people, some from more 
than thirty miles, and compelled to resign his office, which 
was followed by three liearty cheers of liberty and pro- 
perty. This took place at AVeathersfield, from whence 



343 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the people, who were headed by militia officers, proceeded 
to Hartford, where Mr. Ingersoll was compelled to read 
his resignation in the hearing of the assembly, which was 
succeeded by loud acclamations of liberty and property. 
In New York, the stamp officer was compelled to resign, 
and Lieutenant-Governor Golden was burnt in effigy, with 
a stamp bill in his hand, suspended from his own coach, 
and the whole was consumed together. 

In the southern colonies, the public feeling did not lead 
to the same excesses; but in all of them, means were 
found to compel the stamp officers to resign ; and in all 
the colonies the assemblies adopted resolutions in opposi- 
tion to the stamp act, although, in many of them, the 
royal governors prorogued and attempted to stop their 
proceedings. The members of the colonial assemblies 
were animated and encouraged by the people, who, in 
most of the towns, instructed them to oppose the stamp 
act. But the most important measure to unite the colo- 
nies, and give energy and effect to their opposition, was 
convening a continental congress, consisting of deputies 
appointed by each colony. This measure was first pro- 
posed by the assembly of Massachusetts. The meeting 
was appointed to be holden in New York, in October, 1765. 
All the colonies, except New Hampshire, Virginia, North 
Carolina, and Georgia, sent deputies ; the three last of 
these colonies were prevented by their governors, and the 
first excused itself on account of its peculiar situation. 
The congress, after mature deliberation, adopted a decla- 
ration of rights, and a statement of the grievances of the 
colonies, and asserted, in the strongest terms, their ex- 
emption from all taxes not imposed by their own repre- 
sentatives. It also prepared a petition to the house of 
commons. 

As the first of November, the time when the stamp act 
was to go into operation, approached, public feeling be- 
came still stronger, and was excited to the utmost to pre- 
vent the execution of the law. In New York, ten boxes 
of stamps, which had arrived there from Connecticut, were 
seized by the populace and burned : and in other ports, 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 349 

the masters of vessels, which brought out stamps, were 
compelled to return with their detestable cargoes, or de- 
liver them up to the people to be destroyed. In Boston 
and many of the other principal towns, the first of Novem- 
ber, 1765, was kept as a day of mourning and deep distress ; 
all the shops were shut, the bells were tolled, muffled, and 
the effigies of the authors and abettors of the act were car- 
ried in procession through the streets, and then torn to 
pieces and consumed by the flames. 

The lawyers of the supreme covirt in New Jersey re- 
solved that they would not purchase the stamps in their 
professional business, and that they would relinquish their 
practice as a sacrifice to the public good ; and the principal 
merchants in the colonies, and great numbers of other 
classes of the inhabitants, entered into solemn engagements, 
not only to refuse to use the stamps, but also not to import 
any more goods from Great Britain until the stamp act 
should be repealed. Associations were formed, called the 
"Sons of Liberty," the object of which was, to assist and 
protect with force, if necessary, every one who might be 
in danger from his resistance or opposition to the stamp act. 
Such was the effect of these measures, that, on the first of 
November, when the act went into operation, not a sheet 
of stamped paper could be purchased throughout the whole 
extent of the colonies. 

The restrictive measures produced distress and tumults 
in England, large numbers of the manufacturers being 
thrown out of employment, and more than forty thousand, 
with black flags, appeared in the streets of London, and 
surrounded the royal palace and parliament house. For- 
tunately, a change of ministry took place, in consequence 
of what was called the regency bill, and Lord Grenville 
was succeeded by the Marquis of Rockingham, as first 
lord of the treasury, and the Duke of Grafton and General 
Conway were appointed secretaries of state. In January, 
1766, the parliament met; the afl!airs of America occupied 
the principal attention, and the first talents of the house 
were engaged in the discussion. Lord Chatham, who had 
been confined to his bed by sickness when the stamp act 
30 



P 



350 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



^ 




Lord Chatham. 

was passed, now came forward as tlic great champion of 
the rights of the Americans, and with his manly and all- 
powerful eloquence opposed the unjust, unconstitutional, 
and dangerous measure ; he even justified the Americans 
in their resistance of an act of tyranny and oppression. 
After a long and animated discussion, the act was repealed, 
on the ISth of March, 1706; accompanied, however, with 
a declaration, "that the king and parliament had, and 
of right ought to have, full power and authority to make 
laws and statutes of suflicient force to bind the colonies, 
and his majesty's subjects in them, in all cases whatever.^' 
An act of indemnity was also passed. 

The repeal of the stamp act occasioned universal joy, 
both in Great Britain and America; the ships in the 
Thames displayed their colors, and the whole city of 
London was illuminated; and in the colonies, notwith- 
standing the declaratory act, asserting the principle of 
taxation, the rejoicings were universal ; the non-importa- 
tion resolutions were rescinded ; animosities, ill-treatment, 
and everything past, were forgotten, and commercial in- 



THE TEA-TAX. 1767. 351 

tercourse with Great Britain was resumed with greater 
activity than ever before had been witnessed. The colo- 
nies hoped and beheved that harmony would now be 
restored, and did everything in their power to promote 
this desirable object. But the officers of the crown, the 
minions of power, and the expectants of place, kept up a 
correspondence with the officers of the British government 
at home, and attempted to promote their own selfish views 
by misrepresenting their countrymen. Governor Bernard, 
of Massachusetts, was the head of this party, which con- 
tributed so much to breed difficulties and bring matters to 
a crisis. Notwithstanding that the declaratory act still 
hung over the heads of the colonies, like a portentous 
cloud, it was not generally expected that the British gov- 
ernment Avould very soon make another so dangerous an 
experiment. But these reasonable expectations, however, 
soon proved to be fallacious, and all reliance on the justice 
or liberality of Britain was found to be deceptive and 
dangerous. 

Notwithstanding the distraction into which the colonies 
had been thrown by the stamp act, within a few months 
after its repeal, and before the wounds it had occasioned 
had had time to heal, the chancellor of the exchequer, 
Charles Townshend, came forward with a new scheme of 
taxing America, and was so sanguine in his views, that 
he pledged his character for the success of the project. 
The new revenue scheme was, to take off" the duties on 
teas which were paid in Great Britain, and to levy three 
pence per pound on all that was purchased in America, 
and also a duty on tea, paper, glass, and several other arti- 
cles. A board of customs was established, and commis- 
sioners appointed to sit in Boston to collect the duties ; the 
custom officers were to be paid from the revenue thus 
raised ; and the governor, judges of the superior court, and 
other officers in Massachusetts, who had hitherto been 
dependent for their salaries on the colonial legislature, to 
render them independent of the people, and more devoted 
to Great Britain, were also to be paid from these revenues. 
And, to carry the iniquitous system into effect — as ur;ust 



352 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

laws can only be enforced by unjust means — the powers 
of the court of admiralty were greatly extended, so as to 
deprive the people of trial by jury in prosecutions for vio- 
lating the revenue laws. Writs of assistance, as they were 
called, issued by the governor, or any officer of the rev- 
enue, authorized searching the house of the most respecta- 
ble inhabitant in the province, on suspicion of the conceal- 
ment of contraband or smuggled goods. 

When intelligence of these new parliamentary regulations 
reached America, they occasioned universal astonishment, 
and revived all the excitement and alarm which prevailed 
during the stamp act. In the minds of reflecting men, 
they were regarded as more dangerous than that detested 
measure ; as an indirect and disguised system of taxation 
had a more certain and fatal tendency to undermine the 
liberties, and enslave the people, than direct taxes. The 
colonies, assailed by the same injuries, had recourse to 
their former measures of complaint and supplication ; but 
their petitions were not even read, and their remonstrances 
were treated with contempt, thus adding insult to injustice. 

These accumulated injuries and indignities aroused the 
fears and spirit of the colonies ; and a circular letter, ad- 
dressed to the other colonies, by the assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, contributed to diffuse the flame, and lead to 
concert of action. This letter was dated the II th of Febru- 
ary, 1768, and the sentiments it contained were responded 
to by most of the colonial assemblies. From the bold 
and determined conduct of the general court of Massachu- 
setts, it was prorogued by the governor. Another general 
court was convened in May following. The governor, in 
his first communication, insolently demanded of them, as 
required by the British secretary of state, to rescind the 
resolutions of the preceding assembly, which led to the 
circular letter, and intimated that, unless they complied 
immediately, they would be dissolved at once. But the 
assembly acted with a firmness which became the de- 
fenders of liberty; and, instead of complying with his 
haughty mandate, petitioned the king for the removal of 
Governor Bernard, and charged upon him a. long catalogue 



A STANDING ARMY IN BIASSACHUSETTS. 1768. 353 

of crimes. The governor, exasperated at their conduct, 
immediately dissolved the assembly, and applied to the 
commander-in-chief of the king's troops, then in New 
York, to have several additional regiments sent to Boston. 
Alarmed at these circmnstances, the inhabitants of Boston 
besought the governor to convene another assembly ; but 
he treated their request with contempt. 

The crisis required something to be done without delay, 
and, accordingly, letters were written to every town in , 
Massachusetts, requesting the appointment of delegates to 
meet in convention at Boston, before the arrival of the 
troops. Delegates from ninety- six towns met on the 22d 
of September. The governor instantly sent them an angry 
message, commanding them to disperse, threatening, in 
case of refusal, that they should suffer the consequence of 
their temerity. The convention, however, was not fright- 
ened into submission, but gave their reasons for convening, 
continued their deliberations, and prepared a petition to 
the king. On the 1st of October, the troops arrived, and 
landed, and, sword in hand, paraded through the streets 
of Boston, which were filled with vast crowds, who, with 
sullen silence, denoting the deepest resentment, witnessed 
this, the first act in the great and bloody drama about to 
be performed. No tumult or resistance, however, ensued, 
notwithstanding the troops were quartered in the houses 
of the inhabitants. The assembly met in May, 1769, and 
immediately adopted resolutions, that the placing an armed 
force where the legislature was convened, to overawe their 
deliberations, was a breach of privilege ; and that the quar- 
tering of troops on the inhabitants in time of peace was 
illegal, and a violation of the rights and liberties of British 
subjects. 

A standing army was now stationed in the capital of 
Massachusetts, for the avowed object of coercing the inhab- 
itants into submission ; their commerce was fettered, their 
characters were traduced, the legislature was prevented 
from meeting, and the petitions of all classes to have it 
convened, were treated with contempt by an insolent gov- 
ernor, who threatened to augment the troops, and enforce, 
30* 



354 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

at all liazanls, his arbitrary and tyrannical measnres. It 
cannot be surpri-sing that the tears and exasperations of the 
people exceeded what had ever been witnessed before. At 
this alarniini; conjuncture, there was uo alternative but 
submission or resistance. Petitions had beeu treated with 
such contempt, that to memorialize any branch of the Brit- 
ish government would be equivalent to submission ; and 
there were but two ways of resistance — either an appeal to 
tlie sword, or an entire suspeusion of all commercial iuter- 
coiu'sc with Great Britain. This couinierce, as Avas said 
by Mr. Pitt, in his speech, furnished the means whereby 
Britain had carried on the war with France, and, if con- 
tinued by the colonics, M^oidd furnish tlic means for their 
own oppression. 

As all the colonies w^crc involved in one common dan- 
ger, they readily entered into thewnost solenm engage- 
ments that no British or India goods should be imported, 
except a few specilied articles of necessary use. The 
eftects of these arrangements were soon felt in Eugland, 
and produced clamors and even tumults in some parts of 
the kingdom. But the partisans of the crown in America 
endeavored, by their correspoiulence. to induce the minis- 
try to persevere in their oppressive measures, and repre- 
sented, iu the strongest terms, that the interruption of com- 
merce was ouly an elfort of desperation, which could not 
last loug. They advised the ministry to purchase large 
quautitics of goods, designed for the American market, and 
also to allow the merchants engaged in the American 
trade a premium equal to the profits of their stock in busi- 
ness. "If these measures are adopted," said Mr. (^)liver, 
secretary in Massachusetts, in one of his letters, "Me game 
will soon be tip with my coiintnjmeny 

The general court, which convened at Boston in May, 
sat several weeks without doing any business, as they 
refused to act as long as an armed force was quartered in 
the town and surrounded the house where they were in 
session. They were fuially adjourned to Cambridge. They 
sent several messages to the governor to have the troops 
removed ; but, after cvadiug the matter for some time, he 



TROUBLES IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1768. 355 

declared that he had no authority over the king's troops; 
thus admitting that the mihtary was above the civil power 
in the province. Governor Bernard sent a provoking mes- 
sage, stating the expenditures of quartering the troops on 
the town, and requesting that provision should be made 
for the same, and also for their future support. The assem- 
bly were thus called on to maintain the instruments by 
which they were to be oppressed and enslaved. But, 
instead of complying with this request, they passed several 
spirited resolutions, censuring the conduct of the governor 
and General Gage, Avho commanded tlie troops, for their 
rash and oppressive measures, their wanton violations of 
the constitution, the introduction of a standing army in 
time of peace, and their encroachments on the liberties of 
the citizens and of the province. 

The governor had received an order to repair to Eng- 
land, and lay before the king the state of the colony, which 
he communicated to the assembly, with a request that his 
salary might be continued during his absence, as his office 
would remain. But the assembly informed him, in decided 
terms, that they could not comply with either of his 
requests. On receiving this answer, he immediately, after 
a short, angry, and threatening speech, prorogued the 
legislature. He soon after set sail for Europe, — then little 
thinking he should never return to a country, that, by his 
violent temper and arbitrary conduct, he had brought to 
the brink of civil war. His reception at court convinced 
the Americans of the truth of what they feared, that the 
governor had been sent for as a tool of mischief, rather 
than for an impartial inquiry into the real situation of the 
province, or an investigation of his own conduct. 

Thomas Hutchinson, the lieutenant-governor, Avas ap- 
pointed to succeed Governor Bernard. Hutchinson was a 
native of Boston, and had run a career of popularity. 
Whilst, however, he was courting the people at home, he 
was not less assiduous in ingratiating himself into the 
favor of the British government, by misrepresenting his 
countrymen. He was artful and plausible, and possessed 
of popular talents, but was insidious, intriguing and am- 



356 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

bilious, and the extreme of avarice marked every feature 
of his character. His appointment was announced at the 
close of the year 1760. He immediately assumed a 
haughty tone, and aimed at more high-handed measures 
than his predecessor. He commenced his administration 
by informing the assembly that he was indepejident of 
them and the people, as his majesty had made provision 
for his salary. Secure of the favor of his sovereign, he 
treated the people and the assembly with contempt, and 
answered their repeated solicitations to remove the troops 
from the capital, by withdrawing the garrison from a strong 
fortress in the harbor of Boston, who were in the pay of 
the province, and replacing them by two regiments of the 
king's troops. 

The ebullitions of popular feeling were so high as to 
occasion great alarm with the leading patriots, that it 
would break out into acts of violence, which might injure 
the cause of the people. The miserable minions of power 
in America endeavored to promote this result, and openly 
avowed " that the only method to restore tranquillity was 
to take off the original incendiaries, whose writings had 
instilled the poison of sedition into the people." James 
Otis, the most active, bold and ivfluential patriot oi the 
day, having published, under his proper signature, some 
severe strictures on the conduct of the officers of the crown, 
was assaulted in a public room, by a band of hired ruf- 
fians, with swords and bludgeons, and, being covered with 
wounds, was left for dead. The assassnis made their 
escape, and took refuge on board the king's ships in the 
harbor. Mr. Otis survived, but the lamp of his under- 
standing, which had glowed with such effulgence, was 
overcast with clouds and darkness. Mr. John Adams says, 
that he " laid the foundation of the American revolution, 
with an energy, and with those masterly talents, which no 
other man possessed;" and he is justly considered as the 
first martyr to American liberty. 

The insults which the inhabitants of Boston constantly 
experienced from the soldiers, increased their animosity 
towards them to such a degree, as to lead to violence and 



BOSTON MASSACRE. 1770. 



357 



bloodshed. On the 2d of March, 1770, an affray took 
place between a party of soldiers of the 29th regiment, 
and some ropemakers, in front of Mr. Gray's ropewalk. 




Boston Massacre. 



This was followed by a more alarming outrage on the 
5th ; the indignant populace pressed upon and insulted 
the soldiers, while under arms, and assailed them with 
clubs, sticks, and snowballs covering stones. Being dared 
to fire by the mob, six of the soldiers discharged their 
muskets, which killed three of the citizens, and wounded 
five others. The town was instantly in commotion ; and 
the mass of the people were so exasperated, that it required 
the utmost exertions to prevent their rallying, and driving 
the British myrmidons out of town; and nothing but an 
a.ssurance that the troops should be withdrawn, prevented 
this resort to force. The captain of the party, and eight 
men, were brought to trial ; two of the men were found 
guilty ; the captain and the other men were acquitted. A 
general meeting of the inhabitants was immediately as- 
sembled in Faneuil Hall, who unanimously resolved that 
no armed force should be suffered longer to reside in the 
capital; and a committee was appointed to wait on the 
governor, and request the immediate removal of the troops. 



358 AMERICAN RETOLUTION. 

The governor refused to act, under pretence of want of 
authority; but Colonel Dalrymple, alarmed at the state 
of things, proposed to withdraw the 29th regiment, which 
was more culpable than any other. But he was informed 
that not a soldier should be left in town ; he was reluc- 
tantly compelled to comply, and, within four days, not a 
red-coat remained in Boston. 

This tragical affair produced the deepest impression on 
the minds of the people; and the anniversary of the mas- 
sacre of the 5th of March, 1770, was commemorated for 
many years, and orations delivered, in which the blessings 
of civil liberty, the horrors of slavery, the dangers of 
standing armies, and the rights of the colonies, were set 
forth in glowing terms. These annual orations adminis- 
tered fuel to the fire of liberty, and kept it burning with 
an incessant flame, and in no small degree promoted the 
cause of the colonies. 

In the spring of 1773, the schooner Gaspee was stationed 
at Providence, to prevent smuggling; and the conduct of 
the commander having exasperated the inhabitants, two 
hundred men entered on board the schooner at night, and 
compelled the captain and crew to go ashore, and then set 
fire to the vessel. The government offered a reward of 
five hundred pounds for the apprehension of any of the 
persons engaged in this outrage ; but such was the spirit 
and unanimity of the people, that this pecuniary induce- 
ment produced no effect, and the authors of the outrage 
could not be discovered. About this period, the letters of 
Governor Hutchinson and Mr. Oliver, to their friends in 
England, urging the government to adopt more decisive 
and vigorous measures to coerce the colonies into sub- 
mission, Avere discovered and sent back to America by 
Dr. Franklin. These, being published by the assembly 
of Massachusetts, greatly contributed to inflame the public 
mind and exasperate the people against these officers of 
the crown, who were justly charged with having shame- 
fully betrayed their trust, and the people, whose rights it 
was their duty vigilantly to guard. 

The British government now attempted a system ot 



THE TEA-TAX. 1773. 359 

cajolery, by a show of moderation. Whilst the other 
duties were repealed, that on tea was retained, for the sole 
and avowed object of maintaining the power, which par- 
liament had asserted, of collecting a revenue in America. 
The ministerial scheme was cunning and artful, but did 
not, in the least degree, deceive the vigilance of the Amer- 
icans. The object was to cheat the colonies out of their 
rights, by collecting an indirect, imperceptible duty, little 
more than nominal in amount, which, however, if acqui- 
esced in, would have been an admission of the 'principle 
or right of Britain to raise a revenue in America. It was 
an attempt to obtain, covertly and by fravd, what they 
had attempted but failed to obtain openly hj force. 

In the first place, measures were adopted, openly and 
explicitly, for taxing the colonies, the duties to be paid 
directly by the consumer ; but, being unable to enforce 
this act, it was repealed, accompanied with a declaration 
of the right of parliament to tax the Americans, in all 
cases whatsoever. This naked assertion of a right, when 
the application of it had been attempted and abandoned, 
did not give the Americans much concern; they would 
not have cared, if the British had kept that assertion of a 
right to do wrong on their statute-book as long as the two 
countries existed, provided they had not attempted to exer- 
cise their assumed right. 

The duty was more artfully disguised than a single im- 
post. It was, in fact, no additional burden on the con- 
sumers of tea, it being only a different mode of collecting 
the duty which had before been paid ; yet this alteration 
of the mode involved the right and power of parliament 
to establish a revenue system in America. According to 
the former regulations, the teas of the India Company 
were first brought to England, where a duty was paid 
before they were sent to the colonies. The scheme was 
merely to change the place and mode of collecting the 
duty; it was to be paid in America, instead of England; 
for which purpose, custom regulations were established, 
and officers appointed. A duty of three pe|]ce on a pound 
of tea would not be felt by the pepple, and this, or rather 



360 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

a greater duty, had been paid before, in England ; so that, 
instead of the burdens of tlie people being increased, they 
were rather lightened by this new regulation. So artfully 
disguised was this scheme. 

It is a maxim with many politicians, and too generally 
correct, that the people will not be alarmed or excited by 
any principle, however it may be fraught with danger; 
that they must feci and sujfcr, before their fears will 
arouse them into action. But this maxim did not hold 
true with the Americans; they saw the danger, and re- 
solved to resist, at the hazard of their lives, a piinciple 
calculated to undermine the foundation of their liberty, 
although its operation at the time was not felt in the 
slightest degree. The resistance of the Americans to the 
scheme of collecting a duty on tea in America, instead of 
England, was the resistance of the principle which that 
scheme inA'olved, solely, as no additional burden was 
thereby imposed on the people. It is not, however, to be 
supposed that the colonists would have been so alarmed, 
and aroused to such a spirit of resistance, by the new 
regulations as to tea, had it not been for the previous 
measures of the parent country, evincing, in the clearest 
manner, a settled design to exercise the power of taxation 
over them. They considered the new regulations as to 
tea as an artful and disguised revenue system, although it 
imposed no additional duty ; and they were dctormincd 
not to be cheated out of tlieir liberties, as they had before 
resolved not to be frightened out of them. 

Measures were immediately adopted to prevent the 
introduction of the tea into the country, so as to avoid the 
payment of the duty ; and such was the strength and una- 
nimity of public opinion, that, Avithout tlie aid of law, or 
rather in opposition to law, they were enabled to render 
their measures efticient, solely by the force of public senti- 
ment ; although measures, of all others, the most diflicult to 
enforce, as interfering both with the interests and the estab- 
lished habits of the people. In most of the towns through- 
out the colonies, the people assembled, and resolved to dis- 
pontmue the use of tea, which was now regarded as an 



THE TEA-SHIPS AT BOSTON. U7i. 361 

herb— however agreeable as a beverage — noxious to tho 
political constitution. In the large commercial cities, reg- 
ulations were adopted to prevent the landing of tea ; com- 
mittees were appointed to inspect merchants' books, propose 
tests, and make use of other means to defeat the designs 
of Britain. Where it could be done, consignees of the teas 
were persuaded or compelled to resign, or to bind them- 
selves not to act in that capacity. 

The teas consumed in the colonies had been principally 
smjiggled into the country by the Dutch and French, who 
were favored by the inhabitants in evading the revenue 
laws. During the four or five years that the new system 
had been in existence, very trifling quantities of teas had 
been introduced into the colonics ; and instead of the re- 
strictive measures being relaxed, as was expected in Eng- 
land, they increased in vigor and efficacy, and the quantity 
of tea introduced had constantly diminished. 

As had been the case with other matters of difference 
between the two countries, the principal struggle, growing 
out of the regulations as to tea, occurred at Boston. The 
other provinces had avoided the alternative which was 
reserved for this, of either suffering the teas to be disposed 
of, or to destroy them by violent means. Knowing the 
spirit of the inhabitants of Boston, the India Company had 
been more cautious as to the cargoes shipped for that 
port, than those sent to the other provinces ; and the zeal 
of Governor Hutchinson, and the other officers of the 
crown there, greatly surpassed that of the crown officers 
in the other colonies, and was calculated to frustrate the 
measures of the inhabitants. The tea-ships destined to 
Boston were all consigned to the sons, cousins, and persons 
who were the merest tools of Governor Hutchinson. When 
called on to resign, the only answer they would give was, 
" that it was not in their power." The tea-ships arrived 
at Boston in November, 1773. 

As the consignees could not be induced to resign, the 

next plan was, to compel the vessels to return without 

landing their detestable cargoes; but the collector refused 

to give a clearance without the vessels Avere discharged 

31 



362 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

of dutiable articles, and the governor refused to give a 
pass for llie vessels until they were properly qiuillHed 
from the custom-house; and to guard against the ves- 
sels being taken possession of, and conducted out of the 
harbor, the governor ordered Admiral Montague, who 
commanded the naval force, to keep a vigilant look-out, 
and to suffer no vessel, coasters excepted, to pass the for- 
tress from the town, without a pass signed by himself. 
The rigorous adherence to those measures, alfordcd great 
satisfaction to the governor and his minions, and all the 
British party; they flattered themselves that the " Sons of 
liiberty," after all their chunor, resolutions, and schemes 
to resist the tea system, were outmanaged, and that it 
would be impossible for them to prevent the landing and 
sale of the obnoxious cargoes. 

Their measures had boon planned so wisely, and their 
execution was intrusted to agents of such known fidelity 
to the crown, and who were under the inunediate influ- 
ence and control of the governor, that they thought there 
was not a loophole, whereby the rebellious Americans could 
escape paying the hateful tax. The governor, after all he 
had witnessed and exporionccd, judging rather from his 
feelings than his knowledge, was entirely ignorant of pub- 
lic sentiment, and of the spirit of the people; he had no 
idea that they had determined to resist the obnoxious 
measm-e, at every hazard, even that of life. Nothing short 
of this bold step could prevent the deep-laid scheme agaijist 
the liberties of the comitry from succeeding. 

Both parties had taken their measures, and the British 
party Avere confident of success ; the contest was advanc- 
ing to a crisis ; alarm and dismay prevailed ; the deepest 
anxiety was depicted in every comitenance. Had an ijiva- 
ding army been in the neighborhood, threatening to sack 
the town, or had the pestilence Avhich walks in darkness 
ravaged its pavilions, greater gloom could not overspread 
the town, or stronger indications been exhibited of a pend- 
ing event, big with the fate of three millions of people. 

Du'ing this suspense, a report was started, which spread 
with the rapidity of lightning through the town, that Ad- 
miral Montague was about to seize the ships, and dispose 



TEA DESTROYED AT BOSTON. 1779. 363 

of iheir cargoes, at public auction, within twenty-four 
hours : which was beUcved to be a cunning device of 
Hutchinson, as this would as edectually have secured the 
duties, as if the teas had been sold at the stores of the con- 
signees. This rumor was like an electric shock. Leaving 
their employments, the people rushed into the streets, and, 
with amazed and terrified countenances, every one seemed to 
say, What shall we do to prevent the consummation, in so 
bold and daring a manner, of this iniquitous scheme? In a 
few moments, as from an instinctive impulse, a vast crowd 
repaired to the Old South chm-ch, in Boston, and organized 
tliemselves into a public meeting. Previously to taking any 
other step, a message was sent to the governor and the con- 
signees, who witli difficulty could be found, as they were 
afraid to encounter even the looks of an indignant and in- 
jured people. No satisfactory answers were returned : but, 
instead of comj)lying with their wishes, whilst the assem- 
bled multitude were quietly, notwithstanding the excite- 
ment which prevailed, consulting on tlieir critical situation, 
and the measures proper to be adopted, the sheriff entered 
with an order from the governor, styling them an illegal 
and seditious assembly, and ordering them immediately 
to disperse. Hut he did not bring with him the posse romi- 
tatus, as the power of the county was already assembled, 
and it was that which the sheriff was ordered to disperse. 
This mandate was treated with deserved contempt, and the 
sheriff hissed out of the house, mortified and chagrined; 
and a confused murmur followed, not only in the house, 
but among the vast multitude from without ; but soon 
order was restored, and the meeting adjourned, without 
adopting any vote or resolution. The leaders probably 
supposed that such a meeting was not the place to discuss 
and devise measures to meet the crisis. 

In a few hours after the adjournment of the public meet- 
hig, the bold measure, on the success of which the great 
question of taxation hung suspended, was contrived, ma- 
tured, and ripened for execution ; and, in the evening of 
Uec. 16th, appeared in the streets a large number of per- 
sons, disguised as savages, armed with a tomahawk in one 



364 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

hand, and a club over tlie shoulder ; who, in a silent and 
solemn manner, not a voice being heard, marched, in Indian 
file, through the streets, amidst a crowd of astonished spec- 
tators, the most of whom knew not what to think of so 
unexpected and strange an exhibition; and its novelty, 
and the surprise which it occasioned, may have prevented 
any steps being taken to oppose their design. 

They proceeded directly towards the wharves where the 
tea-ships lay; boarded them, and, without the least hesi- 
tation or delay, knocked open the tea-chests, three hundred 
and forty-two in number, and emptied the contents over- 
board. The deed was done with so nuich silence and 
expedition, that, although surrounded by the king's ships, 
no opposition was made or attempted. The " Indians," 
having effected their object, showed no marks of triumph ; 
no savage war-whoop was heard ; nor did they commit any 
other violence or disorder, but, in the same silent, solenm, 
and orderly manner, marched back through the town, fol- 
lowed by a vast crowd. No movements on the part of the 
British, or disturbance by the people, followed this event ; 
and it was observed at the time, that the stillest night suc- 
ceeded which Boston had enjoyed for several mouths. No 
persons assisted the savages in the destruction of the tea, 
except some boys or young men, who had assembled on 
the occasion, and voluntarily took a part in what was going 
on. One of these youths collected the tea which fell into 
his own shoes, and those of several of his companions, put 
it in a phial, and sealed it up, which is now in his posses- 
sion, containing the same obnoxious tea, which, in this 
instance, was considered as more dangerous to the political 
health and constitution of the people even than strong 
drink. The number of savages, manufactured for the 
occasion, has been variously estimated, from sixty to 
eighty. 

In the other colonies, the tea met with an equally unwel- 
come reception; although none of them displayed such spirit 
and decision as the people of Boston, At New York, the 
tea was landed under the cannon of a man-of-war. But 
it met with no purchasers. In other places it was thrown 



DESTRUCTION OF TEA AT BOSTON. 177». 



365 



into damp warehouses, where it was spoiled. Thus the 
scheme of the " tea-tax" was frustrated at the very outset, 
and the crafty manoBuvres of the Ikitish cabinet resuhed 
in notiiing but disappointment and mortification to them- 
selves. 




31* 



CHAPTER XXX. 

American Revolution. — Indignation of the British government at the 
destruction of the tea — Boston port-bill — General Gage governor of 
Massachusetts — Tlie Quebec bill — General congress at Philadelphia — 
Further encroachments of the British in Massachusetts — Gage fortifies 
Boston Neck — General court at Concord — Outrage in Boston — Occur- 
rences in Rhode Island and New Hampshire — Efforts of Lord Chatham 
and Dr. Franklin, in behalf of the colonies — Gage^s expedition to Sa- 
lem — Exasperation of the people of Massachusetts — Battle of Lexington 
— Provincial congress in Massachusetts — Capture of Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point — Movements of the British at Boston — Battle of Bunker 
Hill. 

The success of these bold and daring measures aston- 
ished Governor Hutchinson and the British party, and 
seemed to convince him that the "Sons of Liberty" were 
not quite so contemptible as he had represented them in 
his letters to the ministry ; and it even astonished the 
Avhigs in the other colonies, and contributed to fan the 
flames of liberty, and give them a deeper glow, and more 
intense heat. 

When the intelligence of the destruction of the tea at 
Boston reached England, accompanied with all the exag- 
geration and coloring which Hutchinson could give to the 
fttory, it produced the utmost excitement and indignation 
with the ministerial party ; and even the opponents of the 
American revenue system could not justify so rash and 
desperate a measure. Parliament at once determined to 
crush the devoted place Avhich was the seat and cause of 
this high-handed resistance to its supremacy. Its omnipo- 
tent power, and all the terrors of its Avrath, were to be 
"concentrated and directed against the rebellious town of 
Boston. Under the auspices of Lord North, who was now 



THE BOSTON PORT-BILL. — 1774. 367 

prime minister, a bill was immediately introduced to '-dis- 
continue the landing and discharging, landing and shipping 
of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town of Boston, 
or within the harbor." This bill, called the "Boston Port- 
Bill," passed on the 25th of March, 1774, and, when it was 
known at Boston, threw the inhabitants into the utmost 
consternation. A general meeting was called, and resolu- 
tions adopted, expressive, in strong terms, of their sense of 
the oppressive measure; and they requested all the colonies 
to unite in an engagement to discontinue all importations 
from Great Britain. This proceeding had immediate effect, 
and most of the colonies resolved to make common cause 
with Massachusetts, in her opposition to the unconstitu- 
tional measures of parliament. 

The 1st of June, when the Boston port-bill was to go 
into operation, was appointed, by the people of Massachu- 
setts, to be kept as a day of fasting and prayer. On that 
day, business ceased at Boston, at twelve o'clock, noon, 
and the harbor was shut against all vessels. The custom- 
house was removed to Salem. Sailors, merchants, laborers 
and artificers were immediately thrown out of employment. 
The immense property in stores, wharves and ships was 
rendered useless. The rents of houses ceased, for want of 
the means of payment. Provisions grew scarce, and all 
persons who depended on their daily labor were threatened 
with starvation or beggary. A calamity such as this might 
indeed have been expected to break the spirit of the Bos- 
tonians, and bow them to a speedy submission to ministerial 
rule. But, to the astonishment of the British cabinet, all 
these sufferings were endured with inflexible fortitude and 
resolution. No word of submission was uttered, and the 
inhabitants showed an invincible determination to endure 
the last extremities sooner than abandon their political 
rights. In this resolve they were animated by the sym- 
pathy and charities of their neighbors. Provisions were 
sent in from the towns in the vicinity ; and the people of 
Marblehead generously offered the merchants of Boston 
the use of their harbor, wharves and warehouses, with 
their personal assistance in unlading their goods, free of all 



308 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

expense. The flame of patriotism was kept alive by letters 
and addresses from town meetings and conventions in 
various parts of the covmtry, and the spirit of resistance 
against British encroachments waxed stronger than ever. 

Meantime, General Gage, the commander-in-chief of the 
British forces in North America, had been appointed gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, and arrived at Boston, with a 
reinforcement of troops, on the 13th of May, 1774. His 
first proceeding was to involve himself in an altercation 
with the legislative body, and his next to dissolve them. 
The committee of correspondence at Boston drew up a 
declaration, which they entitled a solemn league and cov- 
enant, wherein the subscribers bound themselves, in the 
most solemn manner, to suspend all commercial intercourse 
with Great Britain, from the last day of the ensuing month 
of August, until the Boston port-bill and other unpopular 
laws were repealed, and the colony of Massachusetts fully 
restored to all its rights. They also bound themselves 
not to consume or purchase any goods whatsoever which 
arrived after the specified time. 

The Boston port-bill was soon followed by another act 
of parliament " for the better regulating government in the 
province of Massachusetts Bay;" the object of which was 
to alter the charter, so as to make the judges and sheriffs 
dependent on the king, and removable at his pleasure. 
And this act was soon succeeded by another, which pro- 
vided, that any persons indicted for murder, or other cap- 
ital oflence, committed in aiding the magistrates in enforcing 
the laws, might be sent by the governor either to any 
other colony or to Great Britain for his trial. The Quebec 
bill followed in rapid succession, enlarging the bounds of 
that province, and conferring many privileges on the Ro- 
man Catholics. The design of this was to secure the attach- 
ment of that province, and prevent its joining with the 
colonies in their measures of resistance. These measures, 
instead of intimidating the colonies into submission, only 
confirmed their fears of the settled designs of Great Britain 
to deprive them of their chartered rights, and reduce the 
colonies to the lowest state of political degradation and 



CONGRESS AT PHILADELPHIA. 1774. 369 

oppression. A sense of common danger led to an extensive 
correspondence between the colonial governments, which 
resulted in the opinion, that it was expedient to convene a 
general congress, to consist of deputies from all the col- 
onies. 

This congress met at Philadelphia, on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1774, and comprised among its members some of the 
most distinguished patriots, statesmen, and orators in this 
country, or perhaps in any other. Notwithstanding the 
ferment which prevailed in most of the colonies, their pro- 
ceedings were characterized by coolness, unanimity, and 
firmness. They published a long and solemn declaration 
of rights, as British subjects, and maintained, in the 
strongest terms, their exemption from taxation by parlia- 
ment ; besides which, they prepared a petition to the king, 
which was refused to be answered; an address to the 
feople of Great Britain ; another to the people of America. 
These documents were drawn up with a masterly hand, 
and exhibited great dignity and ability, and were, in every 
respect, worthy of the men who had confided to them the 
liberties of their country and the destinies of three millions 
of their countrymen, threatened with slavery. The pro- 
ceedings of congress did not tend to allay public feeling ; 
and as the royal agents in Massachusetts seemed deter- 
mined to push matters to extremities, and reduce the people 
to unconditional submission, by arbitrary and forcible 
means, everything now threatened a civil war. A new" 
council, and new judges in Massachusetts, were appointed 
by the crown ; and the latter attempted to enter upon the 
execution of their offices ; but the juries refused to be sworn 
under them ; the people in some counties assembled to pre- 
vent their proceedings. About this time, the famous 
" Tree of Liberty," in Boston, which had been pruned and 
ornamented with so much pride and care, was cut down 
by the British. 

General Gage, apprehending danger from a general 
muster of the militia, caused the magazines and ammuni- 
tion at Charlestown and Cambridge to be removed to 
Boston, and fortified the neck which joins Boston to the 



370 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



main land, at Roxbury. These measures occasioned a 
universal panic ; delegates from all the towns in the county 
of Suffolk met, and spirited resolutions, and a remonstrance, 
to the governor, were adopted. 

The general court had been summoned to meet at 
Salem ; but, from the turbulence of the times, the governor 
issued his proclamation, countermanding their meeting: 
yet, in defiance of the governor's mandate, ninety members 
met, resolved themselves into a provincial congress, chose 




John Ila/icuck. 

John Hancock president, and adjourned to Concord, nine- 
teen miles from Boston. They fearlessly proceeded to 
business. After addressing the governor, and reiterating 
their grievances, in the face of British law and British 
troops, they proceeded to adopt the first measures which 
were taken, directly and avowedly, preparatory to an 
appeal to the sword, in defence of their rights and liberties. 
They regulated the militia, made provision for furnishing 
the people with arms, and for supplying the treasury ; and 
such was the enthusiasm of the people, that their recom- 
mendations had the force of law. Governor Gage was 



OUTRAGE IN BOSTON. 1773. 371 

filled with rage at these darmg proceedings, and issued a 
proclamation, in which he insinuated that they amounted 
to rebellion. 

Early in 1775, parliament passed the fishery bills, 
which prohibited the colonies from trading in fish with 
Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and from 
taking fish on the banks of Newfoundland. These acts 
were intended to operate on the town of Boston, which 
had become the devoted object of ministerial wrath. The 
various statutes which were passed, occasioned deep and 
general distress in Boston and its vicinity ; but their breth- 
ren in the other colonies sympathized with them, and 
promptly supplied them with provisions of every descrip- 
tion for the relief of the sufferers. This policy of the 
British government was not only oppressive, but mean and 
contemptible. Partial legislation is always odious and 
tyrannical ; yet it consisted with the justice and dignity of 
the British nation ; and a series of acts were passed, and 
the power of the nation exerted, to crush the town of 
Boston, because it had shown a more determined spirit of 
resistance to their oppressive and unconstitutional measures 
than had appeared in other places. The ministry were 
not sensible that the colonies considered themselves all 
engaged in a common cause ; they were in hopes to humble 
and crush the rebellious inhabitants of that devoted town, 
which they thought would be such a terrific example as 
would frighten all the colonies into submission. But their 
designs recoiled on the heads of their authors ; for these 
oppressive measures towards the Bostonians only served to 
exasperate the people throughout all the colonies, Avho 
regarded them as cruel and detestable. 

In March, 1775, the public indignation was greatly 
excited by the following base and most shameful transac- 
tion : — 

The people from the country, whose business called them 
into Boston, were suspected by the officers of purchasing 
guns from their soldiers. In order to furnish an oppor- 
tunity to inflict punishment, and to raise occasion for a 
serious quarrel, Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit, of the forty- 



372 



AMERICAN RETOLUTION. 



seventh regiment, ordered a soldier to offer a coiintryman 
an old rusty musket. A man from Billerica was caught 
by this bait, and purchased the gun for three dollars. The 
unfortunate man "was immediately seized by Nesbit. and 
contined in the guard-house all night. Early next morning 
they stripped him entirely naked, covered him over with 
warm tar and then with feathers, placed him on a cart, 
and conducted him through the streets as far as Liberty tree, 
where the people began to collect in vast numbers, and the 
military, fearing for their safety, dismissed the man, and 
retreated to their barracks. The party consisted of about 
thirty grenadiers with fixed bayonets, twenty drums and 
fifes playing the rogue's march, headed by the redoubtable 
Nesbit with a drawn sword ! This was done by a British 
field otiicer and grenadiers ! The selectmen of Billerica 
remonstrated with General Gage respecting this outrage, 
but obtained no satisfaction. 




JPttnishmeiit of a man /ram Bilicrica. 

The breach between Britain and the colonies had now 
become so wide, as, with the mass of the people, nearly to 
exclude all ideas of reconciliation : and both parties began to 
make preparations for an appeal to the sword, Xo alter- 
native was left the Americans but slavery, or resistance by 
force. Measures were adopted for trainuig the militia to tlie 



AFFAIRS IN RHODE ISLAND AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. — 1775. 373 

use of arms, to encourage the manufacture of gunpowder, 
and for collecting all kinds of military stores ; and com- 
mittees of public safety were appointed in all the towns in 
the province. 

From the natural advantages of its situation and the 
works thrown up on the neck, Boston had already become 
a strong-hold. It was also, at the pleasure of the governor, 
capable of being made a secure prison for the inhabitants, 
who would thereby become hostages for the province at 
large. The Bostonians saw the danger, and several schemes 
were projected to avert it. One of the boldest of these was 
to burn the town and retire into the country ; but neither 
this daring enterprise, nor any other decisive proceeding, 
was ultimately determined on. At Rhode Island, the people 
seized and carried away all the ordnance belonging to the 
crown in that colony. The assembly of the province also 
passed resolutions for the procuring of arms and military 
stores, and for training and arming the inhabitants. The 
province of New Hampshire, which had hitherto shown a 
moderate temper, and had behaved with more respect to 
the British government than the other provinces of New 
England, as soon as they heard of the resolutions of Rhode 
Island, and received a copy of the royal proclamation, pur- 
sued the same plan. A body of men assembled in arms, 
and marched to the attack of Fort William and Mary, at 
Portsmouth, remarkable only for being the object of the first 
military operation in New Hampshire. This fort was taken 
December 13th, and supplied them with a quantity of pow- 
der. No other act of hostility or violence happened during 
the winter of 1774; but a firm determination of resistance 
was universally spread, and increased every day. The 
arrival of the king's speech and the addresses of the new 
parliament added to the flame that was already kindled. 

The king's speech, in the opinion of the colonists, cut off 
all hopes of reconciliation, and made them strain every 
nerve to provide against the storm they saw gathering 
against them. It is very remarkable that all the public 
acts and declarations, which, in England, were recom- 
mended as the means of pacifying the colonists, by intimi- 

32 



374 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

dating them, constantly operated in a different manner. 
The secretary of state for the American department issued 
a circular letter forbidding, in the king's name, the election 
of deputies for the ensuing general congress. In spite of 
this, the elections took place, unobstructed, throughout the 
country. 

The year 1775, an epoch forever memorable in American 
history, had now arrived. The British government showed 
no disposition to relax its coercive measiu'es. The colo- 
nists exhibited no symptoms of a submissive spirit, and it 
was evident that a hostile collision must soon take place. 
What added to the infatuation of the British ministry was 
the belief, then prevalent in that country, that the Ameri- 
cans were cowards, and would never dare to oppose the 
British arms in case of extremities. This notion had been 
encouraged by the rhodomontade of many of the officers of 
the royal army who had served in America, and who had 
not the penetration to discover, under the homely manners 
of the American yeomanry, any signs of military spirit. 
Under this delusion, it was confidently believed, in Eng- 
land, that an army of five thousand men could march 
through the country from one end to the other. Matters 
were therefore carried, in the cabinet and parliament, with 
a high hand and an arrogant tone. At the close of the 
past year, the king had delivered an address to parliament, 
full of the most bitter denunciations against the colony of 
Massachusetts, and avowing a determination to suppress 
all attempts in favor of American liberty. The parliament 
concurred in these sentiments by a large majority. The 
more sagacious among the British statesmen, however, saw 
the storm coming, and made the most strenuous endeavors 
to check tlie rash and precipitate measures of the ministry. 
The venerable Earl of Chatham left his retirement, and 
again entered the house of lords, where his powerful elo- 
quence was exerted in an attempt to dissuade his country- 
men from the design of subduing the colonists by force of 
arms. He recommended conciliatory measures, and in 
particular the immediate removal of the troops from Boston. 
His remonstrances, however, had not the slightest effect. 



HOSTILITIES IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1773. 375 

Equally unavailing was the petition of congress to the king, 
which Dr. Franklin and others now laid before parliament, 
with a request to be heard in its support. The petition 
was rejected by a large majority. The lords and commons 
then passed an address to the king, declaring the people of 
Massachusetts rebels ; and the next day a more decisive 
blow was struck by the ministers, in procuring the passage 
of an act restricting the trade of the New England colonies, 
and depriving them of the Newfoundland fishery. 

The Bostonians, in the mean time, in spite of their suf- 
fering condition, avoided every kind of outrage. Massa- 
chusetts had successfully engaged the other colonies to 
make common cause with her. A new provincial congress 
met in February, 1775, and published a resolution, advis- 
ing the people to furnish themselves with arms, and make 
every preparation to resist the invading armies which were 
expected from Britain for the destruction of the colonies. 
In all parts of Massachusetts the inhabitants obeyed these 
hints. Arms and powder were manufactured and stored 
in various places, military bands organized, and the pro- 
ceedings in every quarter gave " dreadful note of prepara- 
tion." These things did not escape the notice of General 
Gage. On the 26th of February, having learnt that a 
quantity of military stores had been collected at Salem, he 
despatched one hundred and forty soldiers, in a transport 
from the castle, to seize them. They landed at Marble- 
head, and took up their march for Salem. Not finding the 
stores there, they proceeded to Danvers, but were stopped 
at a draw-bridge, where a body of thirty or forty militia 
were drawn up. After some parley and an attempt to 
pass, the troops returned to Boston, without effecting their 
object. 

But the flames of war could no longer be kept from 
bursting out. News arrived in Boston of the king's speech, 
of the resolutions adopted by parliament, and finally of the 
act by which the people of Massachusetts were declared 
rebels. The whole province flew to arms. General Gage 
was informed that the provincials had amassed large quan- 
tities of arms and ammunition in the towns of Worcester 



376 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

and Concord. Excited by the loyalists, who had persuaded 
him that he would find no resistance ; considering the cow- 
ardice of the patriots, and perhaps not imagining that the 
sword would be drawn so soon, he resolved to send a few 
companies to Concord, to seize the military stores. It was 
said, also, that he had in view, in this expedition, to get 
possession of the persons of John Hancock and Samuel 
Adams, two of the most ardent patriot chiefs, and the prin- 
cipal directors of the provincial congress. But to avoid 
causing irritation and the popular tumults which might 
obstruct his design, he took his measures with caution and 
secrecy. He ordered the grenadiers and several companies 
of light infantry to hold themselves in readiness to march 
out of the city at the first signal, pretending that it Avas in 
order to review and execute manoeuvres. The Bostonians 
entertained suspicions, and sent to warn Hancock and 
Adams to be upon their guard. Gage, to proceed with 
more secrecy, commanded a certain number of officers, 
who had been made acquainted with his designs, to go, as 
if on a party of pleasure, and dine at Cambridge, on the 
road to Concord. It was on the evening of the 18th of 
April that these ofiicers dispersed themselves upon the 
roads, to intercept the couriers that might have been 
despatched to give notice of the movements of the troops. 
Gage gave orders that no person should leave Boston; nev- 
ertheless, Doctor Warren, one of the most active patriots, 
had timely intimation of the scheme, and immediately 
despatched messengers, some of whom found the roads 
obstructed by the officers, but others made their way in 
safety to Lexington, a town on the road to Concord. The 
news was soon divulged ; the people flocked together ; 
alarm bells were rung ; and the firing of cannon spread 
the agitation throughout the neighborhood. In the midst 
of this tumult, at eleven in the evening, a strong detach- 
ment of grenadiers and light infantry was embarked at 
Boston, and landed at Phipps' farm, whence they marched 
toward Concord. 

The troops were under the command of Lieutenant 
Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, who led the vanguard. 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 1775. 



377 



The militia of Lexington, as the inteUigence of the move- 
ment of this detachment was uncertain, had separated in 
the niglit. But, at five in the morning of the 19th, advice 
was received of the approach of the royal troops. The 
people who happened to be near, assembled to the number 
of about seventy, — certainly too few to entertain the design 
of fighting. The English appeared, and Major Pitcairn 
cried, in a loud voice, "Disperse, you rebels! lay down 
your arms and disperse ! " I'he pi'ovincials did not obey ; 
upon which he sprung from the ranks, discharged a pistol, 
and, brandishing his sword, ordered his soldiers to fire. 
The provincials retreated. The English continuing their 
fire, the former faced about to return it. The British gave 
three cheers, and advanced towards Concord. The inhab- 




Battle of Lexington. 



itants assembled and appeared disposed to act upon the 
defensive ; but, seeing the numbers of the enemy, they fell 
back and posted themselves on the bridge, north of the 
town, intending to wait for reinforcements from the neigh- 
boring places; but the light infantry assailed them with 
fury, routed them, and occupied the bridge, whilst the others 
entered Concord, and proceeded to the execution of their 
orders. They spiked two pieces of twenty -four pound can- 
32* 



378 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

non, destroyed their carriages and a numbfir of wheels for 
the use of the artillery, threw into the river and into wells 
five hundred pounds of bullets, and wasted a quantity of 
flour deposited there by the provincials. Before the work 
of destruction was completed, however, the sound of distant 
alarm-bells, and the sight of bodies of men gathering upon 
the neighboring hill, admonished the British of approach- 
ing danger, and their commander, apprehensive lest his 
retreat should be cut ofl', gave orders for a retreat. 

But it was now broad day, and the whole neighborhood 
was roused. From every quarter, people came rushing 
toward Concord and Lexington, with such arms as they 
could hastily snatch. Before they had proceeded many rods 
on their march homeward, scattering shots, from behind 
walls and fences, apprized the British that the enemy were 
upon them. The light infantry, who scoured the country 
above Concord, \vere obliged to retreat, and on entering 
the town, a hot skirmish ensued. A great number were 
killed on both sides. The light infantry having joined the 
main body of the detachment, the English retreated pre- 
cipitately towards Lexington. Already the whole neigh- 
borhood had risen in arms. Before the detachment had 
reached Lexington, its rear guard and flanks sutlered 
great annoyance from the provincials, who, posted behind 
trees, walls and fences, kept up a brisk fire, which the 
troops could not return. The English found themselves 
in a most perilous situation. General Gage, apprehensive 
of the event, had despatched in haste a reinforcement of 
sixteen companies, with some marines and two field-pieces. 
This body arrived very opportunely at Lexington, at the 
moment when the royal troops entered the town on the 
other side, pursued with fury by the provincial militia. It 
appears highly probable that, without this reinforcement, 
they Avould have been all cut to pieces or made prisoners ; 
their strength was exhaused, as well as their ammunition. 
After making a considerable halt at Lexington, they re- 
newed their march towards Boston, the number of the 
provincials increasing every moment, although the rear 
guard of the English was less molested, on account of the 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. — 1775. 



379 



two field-pieces, which repressed the impetuosity of the 
Americans. But the flanks of the column remained ex- 
posed to a very destructive fire, which assailed them from 
every sheltered spot. The royalists were also annoyed 
by the heat, which was excessive, and by a violent wind, 
which blew a thick dust in their eyes. The American 
scouts, adding to their natural celerity a perfect knowledge 
of the country, came up unexpectedly through cross roads, 
and galled the English severely, talcing aim especially at 
the officers, who, perceiving it, kept much on their guard. 
Finally, after a march of incredible fatigue, and a loss of 
two hundred and seventy-three men, the English, over- 
whelmed with lassitude, arrived at sunset in Charlcstown. 




Retreat from Lexington. 

The news of the battle of Lexington spread like a con- 
flagration, and aroused the hardy sons of the country to a 
manful resistance. The agriculturist left his plough in 
the furrow, and the mechanic dropped his tools in the 
shop, and the great mass of the people repaired to Boston, 
with such arms as could be found. General Putnam, of 
Connecticut, was ploughing in his field, when the intelli- 
gence reached him. He immediately abandoned the 
plough, and, without stopping to change his clothes, set 



380 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

off for Boston. Within a few days a large army was 
collected, under the command of Generals Ward and Put- 
nam, and entrenched themselves on the heights around 
Boston. When the tidings of these events reached the 
south, the population were aroused to the contest with 
the same animated zeal which had been displayed at the 
north, and the alarm spread far and wide through the 
country. 




Putnam told of the battle of Lexington. 

On the 2Sth of April, 1776, a provincial congress assem- 
bled in Massachusetts, and issued the following general 
circular: '-We conjure you, by all that is dear, by all 
that is sacred, that you give all possible assistance in 
forming an army, in defence of the country. Our all is at 
stake. Death and destruction are the certain consequences 
of delay. Every moment is infinitely precious ; an hour 
lost may deluge your country in blood, and entail per- 
petual slavery upon the few of your postei'ity that survive 
the carnage. We beg and entreat, as you will answer it 
to your country, to your consciences, and, above all, as 
you wiil answer it to your God, that you will hasten, by 
all possible means, the enlistment of men, to form an army, 
and send them forward to head quarters, at Cambridge, 
with that expedition which the vast importance and 
instant urgency of the affairs demand." This, as might be 



CAPTURE OF TICONDEKOGA. 1775. 381 

ex]>ected, aroused the energies of the country, and inspired 
the people with the most heroic feehngs. The call was 
promptly obeyed, and the Sons of Liberty enlisted them- 
selves with the greatest alacrity for the defence of their 
rights. 

The responsibilities which now rested on the fathers of 
the revolution were great, and their services important. 
They had to embody and discipline new and inexperi- 
enced troops, bring order out of confusion, and to supply 
both arms and ammunition, being without funds, and 
almost without authority to raise them. Besides this, the 
army was to be supplied with provisions, in the face of a 
formidable, well-disciplined, and well-furnished enemy. 
But the zeal and ability of the oflicers were equal to the 
crisis. Of some it is even recorded, that, for a succession 
of days and nights, they were constantly at the head of 
their respective guards, without a change of raiment. 

At this critical epoch, Colonel Ethan Allen raised a body 
of Green Mountain Boys, on the New Hampshire grants, 
composing the state now called Vermont. With this force 
he undertook to surprise the garrisons of the English on 
lake Champlain. With two hundred and thirty men, he 
repaired to Castleton, where he met one hundred and 
seventy-two more, by concert with certain officers of the 
militia. In this plan, Dean, Wooster, and Parsons, with 
others in Connecticut, cooperated, and sentinels were 
posted on the different routes to Ticonderoga, to intercept 
intelligence of the intentions of the Americans. About this 
time. Colonel Benedict Arnold, who had arrived to assist in 
the enterprise, consented to act in concert with Colonel 
Allen, and no unnecessary delay prevented them from 
moving forward to the object which they determined to 
accomplish. Colonel Allen crossed the lake on the 10th 
of May, with a detachment of only eighty-three men, with 
which he attacked Fort Ticonderoga early in the morning 
With this small number he rushed into the fort while the 
garrison was asleep. Captain Delaplace was ordered to 
surrender the garrison instantly, as he would save them 
from immediate destruction. The captain inquired by 



383 



AMERICAN REVOLUTIOX, 



what authority; to whom Colonel Allen replied, "In the 
name of the Great Jehovah, and the Contmental Congress." 
The fort was immediately surrendered, and the soldiers 
paraded without arms. The prisoners consisted of four 
officers, forty-four privates, with several women and 
children, who were sent hito Connecticut for security. 
The fruits of his victory were — one hundred and twenty 
iron cannon, fifty swivels, more than three tons of balls, 
two ten-inch mortars, and a quantity of shells, flints, gun 
carriages, powder, flour, pork, &c., with two brass can- 
non, and many other valuables. "With the remainder of 
the party. Colonel Seth Warner, a native of Connecticut, 
crossed the lake, and took the fortress of Crown Point by 
surprise, with more than one hundred pieces of cannon. 
Colonel Arnold, who had embarked on the lake in a small 
schooner, captured an English armed vessel, and Kturned 
to Ticonderoga with his prize. Thus was a free commu- 
nication with Canada secured by the command of the 
lake. 




Capture of TicondcT'jga. 

"While the tide of success thus waited on the American 
arms in the north. General Gage contemplated an attack 
upon the American troops at Roxbury, under the command 
of General Thomas. The number of troops at this place 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1773. 3S3 

umoiinted, in all, to but seven hundred militia, and they 
were nearly destitute of both arms and anmiunition. 
\Vhat was wanting in force, however, was supplied by 
stratagem. The Americans were marched round a hill in 
full view of the enemy, and displayed to such advantage 
through the day, that the British general was completely 
hoaxed, and the attack was not made. Reinforcements 
soon arrived, and the place was saved. The success 
which attended the American arms in their frequent skir- 
mishes with the foraging parties of the British, among the 
small islands which abound in Massachusetts Bay, gave 
them contidence and courage to face the English forces 
with confidence and success in more important under- 
takings. 

On the 25th of May, the three British generals, Ho\ve, 
Clinton and Burgoyne, arrived at Boston. They were 
able and experienced, and to them was committed the 
task of putting down all opposition, and of bringing the 
revolted colonists to a state of absolute and unconditional 
submission, during the first campaign. Two days after 
this, the provincials, under Putnam and Warren, defeated 
a strong force of the enemy on the islands, and destroyed 
the vessel armed and stationed for their defence. The 
same success attended their arms on the 30th, and the 
British were greatly distressed by a removal of the cattle 
from the islands, and the communication with Boston was 
now closed. 

On the part of the continentals, the sufferings were 
severe. The small pox had been communicated from 
Boston, and raged in the army to an alarming degree. 
Money was exceedingly scarce, and the whole force, in- 
cluding officers and soldiers, did not exceed eight thou- 
sand. Under all their discouragements, and in their 
undisciplined state, nothing could keep them together but 
the most ardent zeal for the cause of their common coun- 
try. A proclamation was issued by General Gage, on the 
12th of June, in the king's name, offering a general am- 
nesty, excluding only John Hancock and Samuel Adams. 
Those who should refuse these gracious offers, or corre- 



3S4 AMERICAN REVOLUTIOiV. 

spond with, or aid and assist the refractory, were denounced 
as rebels, and threatened to be treated as such. Martial 
law was also declared in the province. 

The proclamation was very properly considered as a 
public declaration of war, and the precursor of hostile 
operations, and the enemy Avas watched with the utmost 
vigilance. Colonel Prescott, with a detachment of one 
thousand men, was ordered to fortify Bunker's Hill, in 
CharlestOAvn ; but as the operation was in the night, he 
fortified a portion of it, called Breed's Hill, which was 
nearer to Boston. The boldness of this movement both 
perplexed and astonished General Gage, who saw that it 
jeopardized his own safety in Boston. He determined to 
dislodge them from this position without delay. The 
Americans were under command of Generals Warren and 
Putnam, and Colonel Prescott, of whose military skill the 
British had no very exalted opinion. The works on the 
hill were slight and incomplete, as the Americans had 
but a single night, and that the sliortest in the year, to 
accomplish the labor. They consisted of a redoubt of 
earth on the brow of the eminence, and a breastwork 
down the slope consisting of a rail fence faced with hay. 
The British commander despised this mock fortification 
no less than he did the courage of his opponents, and 
deemed it a mere pastime to drive the Americans from their 
post. 

About noon of the 17th of June, a body of three thousand 
men, the flower of the British army, mider the command of 
General Howe, were embarked in boats and ferried across 
the water to the Charlestown side. To cover their ap- 
proach, the town was set on fire by the British, and its 
great mass of wooden houses were mimediately involved 
in a pyramid of flame. The British men-of-war and 
floating batteries opened a tremendous fire as the army 
formed in order of battle and advanced up the hill. The 
fire of the Americans was reserved until the English 
arrived to within seventy yards. A sudden and well- 
directed fire of musketry was then opened, which spread 
destruction in the ranks of the assailants, and kept them in 




o3 



386 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

check. The slaughter was dreadful, and the enemy fled 
in disorder. The chagrin and mortification of the officers 
was extreme, and the men were rallied to another charge. 
They were again repulsed, cut to pieces, and put to the 
rout. At this crisis General Clinton arrived from Boston 
with a reinforcement, and, the troops being once more 
rallied, renewed the charge, and the carnage became 
dreadful. The time was a critical one. The powder of 
the provincials was nearly expended, and the cartridge 
boxes of the dead were searched, that the fire might be 
continued, when their wings were outflanked by the 
enemy, and the lines were exposed to a raking fire 
from the British artillery. The cannonade increased from 
the British ships and batteries, aud the exertions of the 
enemy were redoubled. The troops were pressed on by 
the swords and bayonets in the rear, and the points of 
British bayonets were met by clubbed muskets, until num- 
bers prevailed, and the Americans were compelled to retire. 
Nevertheless, the provincials maintained their position 
with the most obstinate bravery, defending themselves 
with the butt-ends of their muskets after their ammunition 
was expended. The redoubt was attacked on three sides 
at once, and at length carried at the point of the bayonet. 
General Warren received a shot in the breast, and fell 
dead on the spot. The provincials, overpowered by num- 
bers, abandoned the works, and retreated over Charlestown 
neck in safety, notwithstanding the shot of a man-of-war 
and two floating batteries, which completely commanded 
the isthmus. 

The assailants remained masters of the field, but their 
loss was vastly greater than the advantage gained. One 
thousand and fifty-four men, or more than one third of their 
number, were killed or wounded, making this one of the 
bloodiest battles in which the British troops had yet been 
engaged. Pitcairn, who commanded the Lexington expe- 
dition, was among the slain, and the slaughter of the 
officers was out of all proportion to that of the privates. 
On the other hand, the effects of the battle were equal to a 
victory to the provincials. Their loss amounted to one 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 1773. 



387 



Imndred and thirty-nine killed, and two hundred and four- 
teen wounded and missing. Though driven from their 
position, yet the unexpected firmness, courage, and good con- 
duct their raw troops liad exhibited, and the terrible effect 
of their lire upon tlie enemy, raised a degree of confidence 
among them equal to that of a positive triumph. They 
encamped on an eminence immediately without the penin- 
sula of Charlestown, so that the British remained closely 
blockaded as before. The British troops, instructed by 
this severe lesson, no longer considered their antagonists 
as cowards. Passing from the extreme of contempt to 
that of respectful regard for the courage of their enemy, 
they made no farther endeavors to penetrate into the coun- 
try ; and the battle of Bunker Hill, as this action is now 
called, checked at once and forever the advance of the 
British arms in Massachusetts. 




Battle of Bunker Hill. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Siege of Boston — Perfid)j 
of General Gage — Howe assumes the command — Siege of Boston — 
Burning of Falmouth — Confederation of the colonies — Sufferings of 
the inhabitants of Boston — Bombardment of the toivn — The Ameri- 
cans occupy Dorchester Heights — Evacuation of Boston by the British 
— Expedition of Sir Peter Parker against South Carolina — Defeat of 
the British at Charleston — Declaration of Independence — British expe- 
dition to New York — Battle of Long Island — Retreat of the Americans 
• — Capture of New York — Disasters of the Americans— Conquest of the 
Jerseys. 

General Washington was appointed, by the congress at 
Philadelphia, commander-in-chief of the American armies, 
and immediately, on receiving his commission, he repaired 
to the seat of war at Boston. He fixed his head-quarters 
at Cambridge, three miles from Boston, and applied him- 




Ilouse in Cambridge where Washington resided. 

self to the business of disciplining the troops, and pressing 
more closely the blockade of the town, which now began 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1775. 389 

to feel the effects of the war. The royal forces in Boston 
continued closely blocked up by land, and, being shut 
out from fresh provisions and vegetables, they began to 
feel great distress. The provincials watched the more 
carefully to keep out supplies, thinking the soldiers would 
suffer the inhabitants to depart, for fear of a famine ; or, at 
least, that the women and children would be suffered to 
remove, which was repeatedly demanded. There is some 
reason to imagine that Gage considered the inhabitants as 
necessary hostages for the security of the town and the 
safety of the troops. To keep women, old men and chil- 
dren confined as pledges for their own safety, argued that 
they were unwilling to fight the provincials on fair terms. 
It had often been asserted in England that a few regular 
troops would march through all America ; but now, a 
general, with an army of the best troops in the service, was 
cooped up in a town, and durst not even stay in it without 
old men, women and children, to guard them ! General 
Gage, at length, entered into an agreement with the town's 
people, that, if they would deliver up their arms, they 
should have liberty to go where they pleased with their 
property. The arms were accordingly given up ; but, to 
their amazement and mortification, he refused to let them 
depart. Many, however, were suffered afterwards to quit 
the town at different times, but they were obliged to leave 
all their effects behind; so that those who had hitherto 
lived in affluence, were at once reduced to poverty. 

General Gage returned to England, in October, 1775, 
and the command of the army at Boston fell to General 
Howe. This officer soon after issued a proclamation, by 
which those of the inhabitants who attempted to quit the 
town, without leave, were condemned to military execu- 
tion. By another proclamation, such as obtained permis- 
sion to leave the town, were, by severe penalties, excluded 
from carrying more than a small specified sum of money 
with them. He also required the forming of associations, 
by which the remaining inhabitants should offer their per- 
sons for the defence of the place. Such of them as he 
approved were to be armed, formed into companies, and 
33* 



390 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

instructed in military exercises ; the remainder being 
obliged to pay their quotas in money towards the common 
defence. 

The limited time for which the soldiers in the provinciai 
army before Boston were enlisted, had nearly expired, and 
it was necessary that some measure should be taken for 
supplying their place. A committee of the general con- 
gress were sent to Boston to take the necessary measures, 
in conjunction with Wasliington, for keeping the army 
from disbanding. Of all the difficulties which the Ameri- 
cans encountered in their attempts towards establishing a 
military force, nothing was more important than the want 
of gunpowder ; for though they used the utmost diligence 
in collecting nitre, and all the other materials for the man- 
ufacture, the results of their own industry and skill were 
small. They had not yet opened that commerce with for- 
eign states, which subsequently procured them a supply 
of military stores. The scarcity of gunpowder was so 
great, that it was said the troops at Bunkers Hill had not 
a single charge left after that short engagement ; and the 
deficiency in the army before Boston was at one time sg 
great, that nothing but General Howe's ignorance of th< 
circumstance could have saved the besiegers from being 
dispersed by a single attack. They left nothing undone 
to supply the defect, and, among other temporary expedi- 
ents, had contrived to piu-chase, without notice or suspi- 
cion, all the powder from the Eurojx?an settlements Jii the 
coast of Africa. 

Meantime, plundering, threatening and hostilities were 
constantly carried on along the American coast. The 
town of Falmouth, in the district of Maine, was doomed 
to share in these calamities. Some disorder relative to the 
loading of a lumber-ship, caused the British admiral to 
issue an order for the destruction of the town. 

On the morning of the ISth of October, a cannonade was 
begun, and continued with little mtermission through the 
day. About three thousand shot, besides bombs and car- 
casses, were thrown into the town, and the sailors landed 
to complete the destruction, but were repulsed with the 



CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES. 1775. 391 

loss of a few men. The principal part of the town, which 
lay next the water, consisting of about one hundred and 
thirty dwelling-houses, two hundred and seventy-eight 
stores and warehouses, a large new church, and a hand- 
some court-house, with the public library, were reduced to 
ashes. The destruction oi Falmouth provoked the Ameri- 
cans to the highest degree, and probably pushed on the 
congress of Massachusetts Bay to the daring measure of 
granting letters of marque and reprisal, and establishing 
courts of admiralty, for the trial and condemnation of Brit- 
ish ships. In this law, they declared an intention of de- 
fending the coasts and navigation of America, extending 
the power of capture only to such ships as should be em- 
ployed in bringing supplies to tiie armies employed against 
thorn. From this time, they did all that was in their 
power to seize such ships as brought supplies to the 
troops. 

l^urins^ the course of the summer, 1775. articles of con- 
federation and perpetual union were entered into between 
the several colonies which were already associated, with 
liberty of admission to those of Quebec, St. Johns, Nova 
Scotia and the two Floridas and Bermudas. They con- 
tained rules of general government, in jieace and war, both 
with res]U"'ct to foreigners and each other. These articles 
were drawn up by the general congress, and by them 
transmitted to the ditVerent colonies, for the consideration 
of their respective assemblies. If the articles met their 
approbation, they were to empower their delegates to the 
ensuing congress to ratify and confirm them ; and from 
that time the union which they established was to con- 
tinue firm, until, besides a redress of grievances, reparation 
was made for the losses sustained by Boston, for the burn- 
ing of Charlestown, for the expenses of the war, and until 
the British were withdrawn from America. 

"When the autumn approached, and appearances of plenty 
gave the colonists ground to conjecture what might be 
spared out of the abundance of a plentiful harvest, it was 
resolved by the congress, that if the late restraining laws 
were not repealed within six months, from the 20th of 



392 AMERICAN IlEVOLUTION. 

July, 1775, their ports from that time should be open to 
every state in Europe, which would admit and protect 
their commerce, free of all duties, and for every kind of 
commodity, excepting only teas and the merchandise of 
Great Britain and her dependencies. 

By the delays and misfortunes which the transports and 
victuallers from England experienced, the forces in Boston 
were reduced to great distress. What added to the afflic- 
tions which they already sutrcred, was the mortification 
of seeing several vessels, which were laden with the neces- 
saries and comforts of life, captured by the provincials in 
the very entrance of the harbor, whilst the tide and wind 
disabled the ships of war from preventing it. The loss of 
most of the coal-ships was severely felt, as fuel could not 
be procured, and the climate rendered that article indispen- 
sable. The houses of Boston were pulled down for fuel. 
The inhabitants were in a most deplorable condition ; de- 
tained against their will, or cut off from all intercourse 
with their friends, exposed to all the consequences of that 
contempt and aversion with which a greater part of them 
were regarded by ihc soldiers, and at the same time in 
want of every necessary of life. Tlic allemj)ts made to 
procure provisions were not attended with great success. 

Meantime, the besieging forces at Boston wailed for the 
hard frosts of mid-winter, in expectation of attacking the 
town by crossing over upon the ice. But the unconunon 
mildness of the season disappointed these hopes, and they 
were forced to remain quiet through tlie winter. The 
arrival of a copy of the king's speech, with an account of 
the fate of the petition from the continental congress, still 
farther excited the people. They burnt the king's speech 
publicly in the camp; and on this occasion they changed 
their colors from a plain red ground, which they had hith- 
erto used, to a flag with thirteen stripes, as a symbol of the 
union and number of the colonies. 

During this state of affairs, the American cruisers grew 
daily more numerous and successful against the transports 
and store-ships. Among a multitude of other prizes, they 
had the good fortune to capture one which gave a new 



DOKCHESTER HEIGHTS FORTIFIED. 1776. 393 

impulse to their military operations. This was an ord- 
nance ship from Woolwich, wliich had separated from her 
convoy, and being herself of no force, she was taken, with- 
out defence, by a small privateer, in Boston Bay. This 
vessel contained several pieces of fine brass cannon, a large 
quantity of small arms and ammunition, and a mortar, 
with all manner of tools, utensils and machines necessarv 
for camps and artillery, in the greatest abundance. 

By this fortunate acquisition, the American troops became 
supplied with the very articles of which they had long 
stood in need. They delayed not a moment to avail them- 
selves of the advantage. On the 2d of March, 1776, a 
battery was opened at Lechmcre Point, directly opposite 
Boston, from which a heavy bombardment and cannonade 
were directed against the town with great efiect. Many 
buildings were demolished and set on fire, and the troops 
and inhabitants were constantly employed in extinguishing 
the flames. The British commander began to feel alarmed 
for the safety of his army ; but matters grew rapidly more 
tln-eatening. Three days after, he saw, with inexpressible 
surprise, at the dawn of day, the ramparts of a new forti- 
fication, which had arisen during the night, on the heights 
of Dorchester, commanding the town and harbor on the 
south. The morning mist having magnified these works 
to a gigantic size, added much to the consternation and 
amazement of the British ofiicers, who, in their accounts 
of the siege, affirm that this apparition recalled to their 
minds those tales of magic and enchantment with which 
eastern romances are filled. The situation of the king's 
troops was now very critical. Shot and shells were poured 
in upon thein from the new works. Others were rapidly 
constructing on the neighboring hills, commanding the 
town and a considerable part of the harbor. In these cir- 
cumstances, no alternative remained but to abandon the 
town, or dislodge the enemy and destroy the new works. 
General Howe adopted the latter plan. Two thousand 
men were embarked in transports, and fell down the harbor 
to the castle, with a design to land on the beach opposite, 
and carry the worlcs on Dorchester heights by storm. 



394 AMERICAN KETOLUTION. 

Every J>reparation Avas made by the Americans for tne 
defence. Hogsheads lilled with stones, and chained to- 
gether, were planted on the brow of the hill, to be rolled 
down upon the ranks of the assailants. The British were 
aware of the desperate nature of their attempt. Murmurs 
of irresolution were heard, and exclamations that it would 
be " another Bunker Hill ati'air.' In this dispirited con- 
dition of the troops, a furious storm, which happened dur- 
ing the night, supplied the British counnander with a 
plausible excuse for deferring the attack. A council of 
war was held, and resulted in a determination to retreat 
from Boston. A fortnight was passed in preparations for 
departure, till, on the 17th of March, 177(3, the besieged 
were quickened in their movements by a new battery 
erected by the Americans on Nook's Hill, at the northern 
point of the peninsula of Dorchester. Delay was no longer 
safe. By ten in the forenoon of that day, all the king's 
troops, together with such of the inhabitants as were at- 
tached to the royal cause, were embarked and under sail. 
As the rearguard went on board the ships, Washington 
marched into the town, where he was received in trimnph 
by the people, with every demonstration of joy and grati- 
tude. Several ships of war were left in the bay by the 
British, to protect the vessels which should arrive from 
England. In this they were not perfectly successful. The 
great extent of the bay, with its numerous creeks and 
islands, and the number of small ports that surround it, 
atlorded such opportunities to the provincial armed boats 
and privateers, that they took a number of valuable trans- 
port ships, who were still in ignorance that the town had 
changed its masters. 

AVashington was now in possession of the capital of 
Massachusetts, but being ignorant of the destination of the 
fleet, and apprehensive of an attempt upon New York, he 
detached several regiments for the protection of that city, 
on the very day on which he took possession of Boston. 
The royal army were not as yet in a situation which 
admitted of their undertaking any important expedition. 
They did not exceed nine thousand etfective men, and 



EXPEmXION AGAINST CHARLESTON. 1776. 



395 



were in some rosuects very ill-provided. This army, 
nevertholoss, was three times more mimcrous than had 
been thought sutlieiout to conquer all America. Their 
repulse was a mortifying blow to the schemes of the min- 
istry, who had given out that the sight of a few grenadiers 
would tVighten all the colonies into a comj^lianco with their 
measures. Their invincible troops hatl been obliged to 
abandon l>os(on. before a newly-raised militia, who were 
styled cowards in England. 

The tieets, transports and victuallers, which had been 
sent from England, met with bad weather in their passage; 
many delays and untowanl circumstances befel them, 
which in a great degree tVustratcd their designs. A squad- 
ron, under Sir l\Mcr Parker, destiueil lor the invasion of 
South Carolina, sailed from Portsmouth, about the end of 
the year 177,"), but, suffering great delays, did not reach 
Carolina till May, 1770. In the beginning of June, the 
licet anchored otf Charleston, and made preparations for 
attacking the place. Two of the ships mounted fifty guns, 
four were frigates of twenty-eight, to which were ailded 
four more ships of smaller force and a bomb-ketch. The 




Attiick on Fort Moultrk. 



passage of the bar was a work of diiiicnlty and danger, 
especially to the two large ships, which, though lightened 



396 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

of their guns, both struck on the bar several times. The 
land forces were commanded by Generals Clinton, Corn- 
wallis and Vaughan. 

The British troops landed on Long Island, which lies 
eastward of Sullivan's, being separated only by a creek, 
which was deemed passable at low water. The Caroli- 
nians had posted some forces, with a lew pieces of cannon, 
near the northeast extremity of Sullivan's Island. Gene- 
ral Lee was encamped with a considerable body of forces 
upon the continent to the northward of the island, with 
which he had a communication by a bridge of boats. 
Long Island is a naked, burning sand, where the troops 
suffered much from their exposure to the heat of the sun. 
Both the fleet and the army were greatly distressed through 
the badness of the water; that which is found upon the 
sea-coast of Carolina being very brackish. Nor were they 
in any better condition with respect to the quantity or 
quality of their provisions. Though the greatest despatch 
was necessary, on account of these inconveniences, yet 
such delays occurred in carrying the design into execution, 
that it was near the end of the month before the attack on 
Sullivan's Island took place. This leisure was improved 
by the provincials, with great diligence, for completing 
their works. Everything being at length settled for tlie 
attack, the bomb-ketch, covered by an armed ship, took 
her station on the morning of the 28th of June, and began 
by throwing shells at Fort Moultrie, as the fleet advanced. 
About eleven o'clock, four other ships brought up directly 
against the fort, and began a most furious and incessant 
cannonade. Three ships were ordered to the westward, 
to take their station between the island and Charleston, 
with a design to demolish the works of the fort, and, if 
possible, to interrupt the communication between the island 
and continent, and cut off the retreat of the garrison. This 
part of the design miscarried by the unskilfulness of the 
pilot, who entangled the frigates in the shoals, where they 
all stuck fast ; and though two of them were got off, it was 
then too late to be of any service. One was burnt by the 
crew the next morning, to prevent her falling into the hands 



ATTACK ON FORT MOULTRIE. 1776, 397 

of the Americans. The ships suffered excessively from the 
fire of the batteries, and the slaughter on board was dreadful. 
Scarcely was ever British valor put to so severe a trial. 
The battle continued till the darkness of the night com- 
pelled the assailants to desist. Sir Peter Parker, after using 
every efl'ort, finding that all hopes of success were at an 
end, and the ebbing tide near spent, withdrew his shattered 
vessels, between nine and ten o'clock in the evening, after 
an eii'^agement which had been supported for above ten 
hours with uncommon courage and resolution. One of his 
ships had one hundred and eleven, and another seventy- 
nine, killed and wounded. The frigates did not suffer so 
severely, for the provincials pointed their fire principally 
at the ships of the line. 

This defeat was a most unexpected blow to the British, 
They had never imagined that this insignificant fort would 
have been able to withstand the heavy fire of their squad- 
ron for the space of an hour ; though, upon trial, it was 
found that, after ten hours' severe cannonade, it was as far 
from being reduced as at the beginning. The provincials 
showed, on this occasion, a degree of skill and intrepidity 
which would have done honor to veteran troops. Both 
officers and men performed their duty to the amazement of 
their enemies, and conducted their fire with such delibera- 
tion and design, that almost every shot did execution. 
Colonel Moultrie, who commanded in the fort, received 
great and deserved praise from his countrymen. 

Hitherto the colonists had maintained their struggle 
against the encroachments of the mother country, without 
abandoning the hope that pacific councils and conciliatory 
measures might heal the breach between them. But as 
the British ministry continued to manifest the most hos- 
tile and arrogant spirit, and showed a fierce determination 
to reduce them by force of arms to unconditional sub- 
mission, their feelings became more and more alienated, 
and they began to despair of any amicable settlement of 
their difficulties. The news that sixteen thousand German 
mercenary troops had been hired to make war upon them, 
added still more to their resentment. Ere long they began 
34 



398 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to disown the authority of the king, and to declare, in 
speech and writing, that nothing remained for them but a 
complete and final separation from the British crown. 
The popular feeling soon found a correspondent expression 
hi public bodies, and at length the continental congress, on 
the 4th of July, 1776, issued the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence ; thus dissolving the connection of the colonies with 
England, and claiming for them a rank among indepen- 
dent nations. This declaration was received everywhere 
throughout the country with the highest exultation, and 
the ennobling prospect of a separate national existence now 
animated the colonists with new courage and resolution to 
repel their invaders. 

Washington, meantime, confident that the British would 
never appear again at Boston, marched his army to New 
York, anticipating the next attack in that quarter. He 
was right in his conjecture. The forces that evacuated 
Boston proceeded first to Halifax, to await reinforcements 
from England. A grand scheme of conquest was now pro- 
jected by the British ministry. The execution of it was 
entrusted to Lord and Sir William Howe, two officers of 
good character and known abilities, in whom the nation 
reposed much confidence. A powerful army was appointed 
for this service. The whole force was supposed to amount 
to thirty-five thousand men. The British troops were sup- 
posed to be the best in the world, and their generals the most 
skilful. They were well provided with all sorts of provis- 
ions, warlike stores and ammunition, and were also sup- 
ported by a numerous fleet. The general and admiral, 
beside their military power, were invested with authority 
as commissioners, by act of parliament, for restoring peace 
to the colonies, and for granting pardon to such as should 
deserve mercy. 

While Sir William Howe waited at Halifax for rein- 
forcements, he was pressed by the want of provisions. He 
at last, without waiting for his brother, Lord Howe, 
departed from Halifax, on the 10th of June, 1776, and 
arrived at Sandy Hook about the end of the month. On 
their passage, the fleet was joined by six transports with 



BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 1776. 399 

Higliland troops, which had been separated from their 
companions in their voyage. Those that were missing, 
witli about four hundred and fifty soldiers and several 
officers, were taken by the American cruisers, and carried 
into Boston. General Howe found the entrance of New 
York harbor strongly fortified. Long Island, on account 
of its extent, did not admit of its being so strongly guarded ; 
it was, however, in a tolerable state of defence, and had 
considerable encampments at the end of the island next to 
New York. Staten Island, being of less consequence, was 
neglected ; — this was certainly a great oversight in the pro- 
vincials. 

On the lOthof .Tuly, the British landed on Staten Island. 
Their troops were cantoned in the villages, where they 
received plenty of provisions. General Howe was here 
met by Governor Tyron, with several other loyalists, who 
had taken refuge on board a British ship at Sandy Hook. 
These persons gave him an account of the strength of the 
provincials. He was also joined by about sixty men from 
New Jersey, who came to take up arms in the royal cause, 
and about two hundred militia of the island, who were 
embodied for the same purpose. Tiiis aflbrded a flattering 
prospect to the general, that when the army was landed 
and collected in force to support the loyalists, such inim- 
bers would join him as would enable him to bring the war 
to a speedy conclusion. 'IMie American army at New York 
amounted to little more than seventeen thousand men, a 
part of which force was encamped at Brooklyn, on Long 
Island. The combined forces of the British amounted to 
twenty-four thousand, wliich were landed near the Nar- 
rows, nine miles from the city, on the 2d of August. On 
the 17th, the British forces, under Sir Henry Clinton, 
Percy, and Cornwallis, attacked the American camp on 
Long Island, which was defended by Brigadier-General 
Sullivan, who was defeated, with the loss of more than a 
thousand men, while the loss of the British was less than 
four hundred. Brigadier-Generals Lord Stirling and 
Woodhull fell into the hands of the English. General 
Washington perceived with anguish what would be the 



400 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

lesiilt of the battle, but he dare not draw off more troops 
from the city, as he would not even by that measure be 
able to cope with the British. On both sides, this battle 
was expected. On the 22d, the British effected a landing 
at Utrecht, near the Narrows, under cover of the ships, and 
every preparation was made to meet them manfully. 
Colonel Hand was ordered to the high ground, in order to 
protect the pass leading to Flatbush. Lord (?ornwailis was 
ordered to secure this pass, if it could be done without an 
encasement. He halted at the village, finding that the 
pass was secured by the Americans. On this occasion, 
Washington issued the following orders : 

" The enemy have now landed upon Long Island. The 
hour is fast approaching in which the honor and success 
of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, 
depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are 
freemen, fighting for the blessing of liberty: that slavery 
will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do 
not acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your 
courage has been despised and traduced by your cruel 
invaders, though they have found, by dear experience at 
Boston, Charlestown. and other places, what a few brave 
men can do in their own land, and in the best of causes, 
against hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, be determined. 
Do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your 
officers." 

Preparations were now made for a pitched battle. The 
American camp was strengthened by six additional regi- 
ments, and all things put in readiness for an immediate 
attack. The direct road across the heights lay through 
the village of Flatbush, where the hills commenced, and 
near which was an important pass. General Putnam had 
detached part of his army to occupy the hills, and defend 
the passes. It appears, however, that it was not the plan 
of the colonists to attempt any decisive battle till they had 
exercised their troops in skirmishes and taught them a little 
military knowledge. They knew that the British troops 
were highly disciplined, and longed for notliing more than 
an opportunity to put an end to the war by a single stroke. 



BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 1776. 401 

3 
* - -«■ 

Their safety depended much upon speedy action. TTie 
colonists, on the other hand, were as yet raw troops; a 
sudden attack and a signal overthrow would have dispir- 
ited them and frustrated all their hopes. "When everything 
was prepared for forcing the hills, General Clinton, at the 
head of the van of the army, with fourteen field-pieces, 
began, on the evening of the 2»ith of August, his march 
from Flatland. Having passed through the part of the 
country called the >i'e\v Lots, they reached the road that 
crosses the hills from Bedl'ord to Jamaica, where, wheeling 
to the left towards the former place, they seized a consid- 
erable pass, which the Americans had. through some 
unaccountable neglect, left unguarded. The main body, 
under Lord Percy, with ten field-pieces, followed at a 
moderate distance, and the way being thus successtully 
opened, the whole army passed the hills without opposition, 
and descended by the town of Bedford into the lower 
country, which lay between them and Putnam's lines. 
Tiie engagement was begun early in the morning of the 
next day, by the Hessians, at Flatbush, and by General 
Grant, along the coast; and a Avarm cannonade, with a 
sharp fire of small arms, was eagerly supported on both 
sides for some hours. During this time, the king's troops 
gained no advantage, but were on the point of being 
repulsed, when the fleet made several manoeuvres on their 
left, and attacked a. battery on Red Hook. This move- 
ment embarrassed the right wing of the colonists, which 
was en2;aijed with General Grant, and called oft' their 
attention totally from the left and rear, where their greatest 
danger lay. Those who were engaged with the Hessians 
wore the first that perceived their danger; they accordingly 
retreated in larse dodies and in good order, with a design 
to recover their camp. They were, however, attacked furi- 
ouslv bv the king's troops, and driven back into the woods, 
where they were met by the Hessians, and alternately 
intercepted and chased by the dragoons and light infantry. 
Li these critical circumstances, some of their regiments, 
though overpowered by numbers, forced their wi^v to the 
lines: some kept the woods and escaped. Great numbers 

34* 



402 AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 

were killed, and the discomfiture of the Americans at this 
point was decisive. 

The risht wing of the provincials, engaged Avith General 
Grant on the coast, were so late in knowing what was 
goins on in other parts, that they were intercepted in their 
retreat by some of the British troops, who. in the morning, 
had not only turned the heights upon their left, but hod 
traversed the whole extent of country in their rear. Such 
of them as did not flee to the woods, which were the 
sreatest number, were obliged to throw themselves into a 
marsh, where many were drowned, or sutibcated in the 
mud. A considerable number, however, made their escape 
to the lines, though they were much diminished in their 
flight by the fire of the pursuers. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans on this occasion was very great. Nearly a whole 
resimcnt from Maryland, consisting altogether of young 
men of the best families, were totally cut otf. 

In this situation there was no hope left but in a retreat, 
and even this was exceedingly difllcult. under the watch- 
ful eye of an active enemy, with a powerful army, flushed 
with success, almost close to their works. This desperate 
task was. however, undertaken, and execiued with great 
address by Washington. On the night of the 29th, the 
American troops were withdrawn from the camp, and, with 
tlieir baggage, stores, and almost all their artillery, con- 
rey^ed to the water-side, embarked, and ferried over to 
New York, with such silence and order, that the British, 
though within six hundred yards, knew nothing of the 
movement. The dawn of day showed them the lines 
abandoned, the American rearguard in their boats and out 
of danger. Those who are acquainted with the usual 
noise and confusion attending the breaking up of a camp, 
and the march of so many thousand men, even in open 
day, must acknowledge that this retreat required an ex- 
traordinary address to conduct it. and deserves the name 
of a master-piece in the art of war. 

A fleet, consisting of upwards of three hundred sail, 
includiuj; transports, covered the waters of the bay, while 
the ships of war, hovermg romid the island, threatened 



CAPTDBE OF NEW YORK. 1776. 403 

destruction to every part, and were continually engaged 
with the American batteries. Thus an almost constant 
cannonade was kept up for many days, and the troops, 
who had so lately escaped from inuninent danger, had 
little time for repose. At length, the British having set- 
tled tlicir plans for the attack of the city, the squadron 
made a movement in the North river, with a design to 
draw the attention of the provincials to tliat side of the 
island. Other parts were also threatened, to increase the 
uncertainty of the real point of attack. Covered by five 
ships o{ war upon their entrance into the river, they pro- 
ceeded to Rip's Bay. about three miles north of New York, 
where, being less expected than in other places, the pre- 
paration for detence was not so great. The works were, 
notwithstanduig. tolerably strong and well-manned, but 
tlie fire from the ships was so severe and well-directed, 
that the fortifications were deserted, and the army landed 
without opposition. The loss of New York was the im- 
mediate consequence. 

The provincials, harassed by the fire of the men-of-war, 
abandoned the city on the loth of September, with their 
other posts on that part of the island, and retired to the 
North End. where their principal strength lay. They 
were obliged to leave a great part of their artillery and 
militarv stores behind. They had some men killed and a 
few taken prisoners in the retreat. The king's troops 
sutTered considerably, but this loss was concealed as much 
as possible. Many of the American regiments behaved 
badlv on this occasion. Their late severe losses on Long 
Island api^ear to have had an unfavorable effect upon their 
conduct at this time. Part of the British army took pos- 
session of New York, and the rest encamped near the 
centre of the island, thus occupying it from shore lo shore. 
"Washington took post on the island at Kingsbridge, where 
he had a communication with the continent He erected 
strong works on both sides of the passage. The nearest 
encampment of the British was on the heights of Haarlem, 
at the distance of about a mile and a half. Between the 
two armies were the strong sroimds called Morris' Heishts. 



404 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

In this situation skirmishes frequently happened, and it 
was found that, by degrees, the apprehensions of the pro- 
vincials began to Avear away. 

A few days after the capture of New York, a fire broke 
out, by which nearly a third part of the city was reduced 
to ashes ; and unless the exertions of the troops and the 
sailors of the fleet had preserved the remainder, not a 
house would have been left standing. Some persons, who 
were thought to have been concerned in the cause of this 
calamity, were thrown into the flames by the soldiers, and 
burnt to death, though it could never be ascertained who 
were the real authors of the conflagration. 

General Howe, being reinforced by a division or two of 
Germans, marched towards the American army encamped 
at White Plains. On the 28th of October, a general skir- 
mish commenced between the advanced parties. On the 
29th, the general moved in columns to the support of his 
van, and to bring on a general engagement. General 
Washington kept him at bay until the 31st, when he re- 
tired to higher ground, and left a strong rearguard to cover 
White Plains. The British general now abandoned the 
enterprise, and on the 8th of November drew oft' his army 
towards Kingsbridge. On the I5th, he sent a summons to 
Colonel Magraw, commanding Fort Washington, and the 
next day stormed the fort, and made prisoners of the whole 
garrison. On the ISth, Lord Cornwallis moved to the 
attack of Fort Lee; but General Greene drew off" the gar- 
rison, abandoned the fort, and joined Washington, who, 
on the 22d, crossed North river, and retired to Newark, 
where he found himself almost abandoned by the army, and 
left to the mercy of a victorious pursuing enemy, with only 
about three thousand five hundred men to accompany him 
in his flight. On the 28th, Washington retired to Bruns- 
wick, and Lord Cornwallis entered Newark with his 
victorious army. The British pursued to Brunswick, and 
Washington retired to Princeton, December 1st. Corn- 
wallis halted a week at Brunswick, agreeable to orders ; 
and, in the mean time, Washington saw himself abandoned 
by the Jersey and Maryland brigades of militia, whose 
terms of service then expired. 



CAMPAIGN IN THE JERSEYS. 1776. 



405 



On the 7th, Cornwallis advanced upon Princeton, and 
Washmgton retired to Trenton. The next day Corn- 
wallis entered Trenton, just at the critical moment that 
Washington, with his remnant of an army, had crossed 
the Delaware, and secured the boats to prevent his passing. 
General Howe had joined Lord Cornwallis at Newark, and 
now made a stand at Princeton, and issued the proclama- 
tion of the king's commissioners, proffering pardon and 
peace to all such as should submit in sixty days. 

Such were the distresses of the army and the country, 
when they saw their liberties about to expire under the 
pressure of an overwhelming foe, that men of the first 
distinction, in great numbers, in that part of the country, 
embraced the overture, and made their submission. 

To add to the distresses of this most trying scene. Gen- 
eral Lee, who had harassed the rear of the British army, 
with about three thousand men, was surprised in his quar- 
ters, on the 18th of December, and taken by the enemy. 
The Jerseys were thus completely overrun by the victori- 
ous armies of the British, and nothing but disaster waited 
upon the Americans. 




CHAPTER XXXII. 

American Revolution. — Project for the invasion of Canada by the 
Americans — Extraordinary march of Arnold through the woods of 
Maine — Expedition of Montgomery against Canada — Capture of 
Montreal — Siege and attack of 'Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Per- 
severance of Arnold — Evacuation of Canada by the Americans — Des- 
perate condition of the American camp — Fortitude and resolution of 
Washington — Capture of the Dessians at Trenton — Affair of Prince- 
ton — Successful movanents of Washington. — The British expelled from 
the Jerseys. 

While the important events related in the preceding 
chapters were taking place, occurrences of almost equal 
magnitude and importance were in progress in another 
part of the continent. At an early period of the struggle, 
congress determined to strike a blow where the enemy- 
least expected it. A resolution was adopted to invade 
Canada. This design was approved by Washington, and 
lie projected a plan for this purpose as novel as it was 
bold. He conjectured that there must exist a route, through 
the district of Maine and Lower Canada, to Quebec, through 
the wilderness and across the mountains, which, though 
unknown to the rest of the world, and frequented only by 
the mountaineers during sunmier, might serve to conduct 
an army from the shores of the Atlantic to those of the St. 
Lawrence. The greater part of this region was nothing 
but an immense forest, without a human inhabitant; yet 
the difficulty of obtaining provisions for an army in these 
desert solitudes was entirely overlooked in the sanguine 
hopes of surprising Quebec. A force of eleven hundred 
men was immediately organized at Cambridge, and placed 
under the connnand of Colonel Arnold, an officer of great 
bravery, even to rashness, and of a firmness not to be 
shaken. Colonel Burr, afterwards vice-president of the 



Arnold's expedition to Quebec. — urs. 407 

United States, joined the expedition. On their arrival in 
Canada they were to unite themselves with the forces of 
General Montgomery, who was to invade the country by 
the way of the lakes. 




Colonel Arnold. 

The expedition embarked at Newhuryport, in transports, 
for the Kennebec, on the 13th of September, 177.5. So 
rapid were the preparations for this enterprise, that, fourteen 
days from the time the scheme was determined on, the 
troops embarked at Gardiner, on the Kennebec, in two 
hundred batteaux, which had been built, equipped and 
provisioned in the interval. Arnold divided his men into 
three bodies. The first, composed of riflemen, under Cap- 
tain Morgan, formed the vanguard, to explore the country, 
sound the fords, prepare the ways, and look out for port- 
ages around tiie falls and rapids. Wherever the stream 
ceased to be navigable, it became necessary for the soldiers 
to carry upon their backs all the lading of the boats, and 
finally to drag the boats themselves by land. The second 
detachment kept a day's march in the rear of the first, and 
the third followed at the same interval. The perils and 
difficulties of the undertaking soon became apparent. The 
current was rapid ; the bed of the river was rocky ; the falls 
=md rapids obstructed their progress almost at every step; 



408 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the water entered the boats and damaged their provisions 
and ammunition. The land journey presented difficulties 
no less formidable. Their route lay through thick forests 
and over rugged mountains. The men were compelled to 
wade through marshes and quagmires, and to climb steep 
precipices, encumbered with their arms and baggage. 
Their provisions began to fail them before they reached 
the head streams of the Kennebec. 

By the 16th of October, they had advanced no farther 
than Dead river, where, finding no prospect of a supply 
of provisions, Arnold directed Colonel Enos, who com- 
manded one of the divisions, to send back all the sick and 
those who could not be furnished with food. Enos, taking 
advantage of this occasion, deserted with his whole divi- 
sion, and returned to the camp before Boston. The army 
were inflamed with indignation at the sight of the desert- 
ers, whose abandonment of their comrades might occasion 
the miscarriage of the whole enterprise. Enos was brought 
to trial before a court martial ; yet he was acquitted on the 
plea of extreme necessity, and the acknowledged inability 
of his men to procure sustenance in those wild and desert 
regions. Courage and perseverance were expected from 
the soldiers, but not impossibilities. 

Arnold pursued his march with the two other divisions. 
For thirty-two days he traversed these fearful solitudes, 
without seeing one human habitation or one human face. 
Marshes, mountains, woods and precipices were encoun- 
tered at every step, and seemed to cut off all prospect of 
success, or rather all hope of safety. Famine now stared 
them in the face ; they ate their dogs, their moosehide 
moccasins, the leather of their cartouch-boxes, and their 
shoes. The rains fell in torrents sometimes for three days 
together. One night, after they had halted at a late hour, 
and were endeavoring to take a little repose, they were 
suddenly roused by a freshet, which came rushing upon 
them in a torrent, and hardly allowed them time to escape 
before the ground on which they had lain down was over- 
flowed. In a few days the rain was changed to snow, 
which fell two inches deep, and added the sufferings of 



Montgomery's expedition to Quebec. — ms. 409 

cold to those of hunger and fatigue. Ice formed on the 
surface of the water, in which the men were obhged to 
wade and drag the boats. The passage of Dead river 
was one of the most difficult in their whole progress. Sev- 
enteen falls obstructed their course up this stream ; and 
near the source they were forced to make their way- 
through a chain of small lakes, filled up with logs and 
other impediments. Yet, menaced with starvation and 
harassed by incredible fatigues, they resolutely kept onward. 
The courage, fortitude, and perseverance exhibited in this 
extraordinary march, are unsurpassed in the history of 
military enterprise. 

At length, on the 27th of October, they found themselves 
on the summit of the highlands which separate the sources 
of the Kennebec from the streams that flow into the St. 
Lawrence. Every species of food, even shoes and leather 
breeches, had now disappeared. No house nor human 
being was yet in sight. Despair seemed to take possession 
of almost every heart; but Arnold, with a small party, 
made a forced march ahead, and, to their inexpressible joy, 
on the 30th of October, reached the habitations of some 
French Canadians, on the river Chaudiere. He was well 
received by the inhabitants, and, after recruiting his fam- 
ishing party, returned with a supply of provisions for his 
main body. Thus rescued from starvation, a general joy 
reanimated the troops, and they pushed forward with 
alacrity. On the 9th of November, they arrived at Point 
Levy, on the St. Lawrence, opposite Quebec, having ac- 
complished a march of several hundred miles through one 
of the most formidable wilds ever traversed by an invading 
army. 

In the mean time, another body of New York and New 
England troops, to the amount of two thousand men, under 
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, had been embodied 
for this campaign in another quarter. Batteaux and flat 
boats were built at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, lo con- 
vey them through lake Champlain to the river Sorel, by 
which they were to enter Canada. Schuyler proceeded to 
Albany, to conclude a treaty with the Indians, which he 
35 



410 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

had been negotiating for some lime ; but being from illness 
unable to return, the whole conduct of the enterprise fell 
upon Montgomery. His first measure was to detach the 
Indians from the British service ; and, being strengthened 
by the arrival of reinforcements and artillery, he prepared 
to lay siege to the fort of St. John. This fort was garri- 
soned by nearly all the regular troops then in Canada, and 
was well provided Avith stores, ammunition and artillery. 
The parties of the provincials were spread over the adja- 
cent country, and were everywhere well received by the 
Canadians. While matters were in this situation, Ethan 
Allen, who seems to have acted rather as a volunteer than 
as a person obedient to any regular command, undertook 
to surprise Montreal. He set out upon this hazardous 
enterprise, at the head of a small party of provincials and 
Canadians, without the knowledge of the commander-in- 
chief His attempt was unsuccessful. The Canadian 
militia, supported by a few regular troops, met the adven- 
turer at some distance from Montreal, defeated his troops, 
and took him prisoner, with forty others ; the rest of the 
party escaped into the woods. Allen and his fellow-pris- 
oners were, by the order of Sir Guy Carleton, governor of 
Canada, loaded with chains, and in that condition sent to 
England. 

Meantime, Montgomery pressed the siege of St. John's, 
but Carleton was indefatigable in his endeavors to raise 
forces for its relief Colonel M'Clean. with some Scotch 
and Canadians, to the number of one hundred, were posted 
near the junction of the Sorel with the St. Lawrence. 
Carleton used his utmost diligence to effect a junction with 
M'Clean, and then to march to the relief of St. John's; but 
his purpose was defeated by the activity of the provincials. 
He was attacked at Longueil, in attempting to cross the 
river from the island of Montreal, by a party of Ameri- 
cans, who easily repulsed the Canadians, and frustrated 
his whole plan. St. John's surrendered, and Montgomery 
immediately approached Montreal. A capitulation was 
proposed by the principal French and English inhabitants, 
including a sort of general treaty, which Montgomery 



Montgomery's expedition to quebec. — 1775. 411 

refused, as they weie in no state of defence to entitle them 
to a capitulation, and were on their side unable to fulfil 
the conditions. The Americans took possession of Mont- 
real upon the 13th of November, 1775. 

It was now the season of the year when troops usually 
go into winter quarters ; and, in such a climate as that of 
Canada, this step appeared more especially necessary. It 
seems a task beyond the ordinary powers of man, for 
troops to march in that season through a wild and unculti- 
vated country, covered with forests, thickets and deep 
snows. Yet the Americans, encouraged by their good 
fortune, pushed on to attempts altogether beyond their 
strength. Their success upon the lakes seduced them into 
the hopes of capturing the city of Quebec ; and they seem 
to have forgotten or despised the dangers and fatigues of 
an inclement season, in the prospect of finishing with glory 
so important an enterprise. The provincials had now the 
whole command of the lakes. General Prescott had been 
obliged to enter into a capitulation, by which the whole of 
the naval force, consisting of eleven armed vessels, was 
surrendered into their hands. 

When Arnold reached Point Levy, opposite Quebec, the 
inhabitants were in a wavering situation ; the English sub- 
jects were disafliected, and the French were not to be trusted 
with the defence of the city. There were no troops in the 
place till M'Clean's newly-raised regiment of emigrants 
arrived from the Sorel. The river alone saved Quebec 
from an immediate capture, as the inhabitants had taken 
the precaution to secure all the boats in the stream. But 
after some days' delay the Americans procured a number 
of canoes and crossed the St. Lawrence, under cover of a 
dark night, notwithstanding the vigilance of the ships of 
war in the river. The inhabitants now began to think of 
securing their property. The disaffected, both English and 
Canadians, finding the danger pressing, united for their 
common defence. Had the city been taken by surprise, it 
is highly probable that the malecontents would have joined 
the conquerors ; but as it was now doubtful whether the 
attack would succeed, they considered it the wisest course 



41SS AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to remain true to those who had the possession. The in- 
habitants were embodied and armed, and the sailors landed 
from the ships to man the batteries. The besieged were 
considerably snperior in numbers to the besiegers, and 
Arnold had no artillery. It is probable that he depended 
upon the disatlection of the inhabitants, but being disap- 
pointed in this, nothing remained practicable but to guard 
the roads and cut off supplies from the city, till Montgom- 
ery should arrive. Arnold manoeuvred for some days upon 
the heights near Quebec, and sent two flags to summon the 
inhabitants to surrender, but they were fired at, and no 
message was admitted ; upon which he withdrew his 
troops into close quarters. 

During these proceedings, Montgomery had received 
large supplies for his army at Montreal, and was advanc- 
ing upon Quebec. Yet he found his progress beset with 
great difiiculties. His army was composed wholly of raw 
soldiers, transported suddenly from the plough to the field, 
unused to discipline, and entirely deficient in military skill. 
He left some troops at Montreal and other posts, and sent 
detachments into different parts of the province, to encour- 
age the Canadians, and forward supplies of provisions. 
With the remainder he pushed on to join Arnold. His 
march lay over bad roads; the first snows of winter had 
fallen, and the weather was severe. The troops suffered 
intense hardships, which they encountered with great reso- 
lution. 

Early in December, Montgomery effected a junction with 
Arnold, at Point aux Trembles, and proceeded to visit Que- 
bec. He wrote a letter to the governor, magnitying his 
own strength, commenting on the weakness of the garri- 
son, the impossibility of relief, and recommending an imme- 
diate surrender. The flag which carried this letter was 
fired upon, as well as every other which was sent ; so that 
all communication was cut off between the besiegers and 
the inhabitants. It was a hopeless attempt in Montgomery 
to invest a fortified place with a number of troops not supe- 
rior to those who defended it. His only prospect of success 
seems to have depended upon the effect which his warlike 



ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 1775. 413 

preparations and the violence of his attack might have 
produced upon the inhabitants, who, being hastily embod- 
ied, might be struck with panic ; or he might have hoped, 
in case his first attack should miscarry, to weary out the 
garrison with continual alarms. He accordingly com- 
menced a bombardment with five small mortars, which 
continued for some days"; but his metal was too light to 
produce any considerable eftect against the formidable 
walls of Quebec. Meanwhile, the snow lay deep upon the 
ground, and such was the severity of the weather, that 
human strength seemed incapable of withstanding it in the 
open field. The New York troops felt these sufferings 
most keenly, and did not show so much steadiness and 
resolution as the hardy New Englanders, who had trav- 
ersed the wilderness with Arnold. These men exhibited 
amazing constancy and intrepidity. 

Montgomery found at last that some decisive blow must 
immediately be struck, and resolved to storm tlie place. 
On the 31st of December, under cover of a violent storm 
of snow, he disposed his little army into four divisions, of 
which two made false attacks against the upper town, 
whilst Montgomery and Arnold conducted the real assault 
at the other extremity of the place. By this means the 
alarm Avas excited in both towns, and might have discon- 
certed the most experienced troops. From the side of the 
river St. Lawrence, and round to the Basin, every part 
seemed equally threatened. Montgomery, at the head of 
the New York troops, advanced against the loAver town, 
under Cape Diamond ; but, in consequence of some diffi- 
culties which had retarded his approach, the signal for 
engaging had been given, and the garrison alarmed before 
he could reach the spot. He, notwithstanding, pressed on 
' in a narrow file, in a straitened path, having a precipice 
I down to the river on one side, and a high rock hanging 
( over him on the other. Having seized and passed the first 
I barrier, accompanied by a few of his bravest men, he 
I marched boldly to attack the second. This was much 
I stronger than the first, and was defended by a battery of 
cannon loaded with grape-shot. The troops, however, 
35=^ 



414 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

rushed with impetuosity to the attack. Montgomery was 
killed at the first assault. His aid-de-camp fell at his side, 
with most of the officers and soldiers near him. The 
attempt was at once foiled by this disaster, and the remain- 
der of the troops instantly retreated. 



Death of Montgomery. 

In the mean time, Arnold was not idle in his quarter. 
With an intrepidity that would have done honor to veteran 
troops, his division attacked that part of the town called 
the Saut, at Matelot, and having penetrated through St. 
Roques, they stormed a strong battery, which they carried 
after an hour's sharp engagement. Here Arnold was 
wounded, his leg being shattered by a bullet, and his men 
were obliged to carry him back to the camp ; but these 
troops did not retreat hastily upon the departure of the 
commander, like the New York detachment. Arnold's 
place was supplied by other ofilicers, who, with no less 
intrepidity, continued the attack. They were as yet igno- 
rant of Montgomery's death, and were so far from being 
dejected by their own loss, that they pushed on with greater 
vigor, and made themselves masters of another battery. 



REPULSE OF THE AMERICANS AT QUEBEC. 1775. 415 

Had all the provincial troops on this occasion been equal 
to those of New England, notwithstanding the misfortunes 
they sustained by the loss of their general officers, they 
would doubtless have taken the city. 

On the retreat of Montgomery's division, the garrison had 
time to turn their whole attention to Arnold. The situa- 
tion of the assailants was now such that, in attempting a 
retreat, they were obliged to pass a considerable distance 
within fifty yards of the walls, exposed to the whole fire 
of the garrison. A strong detachment, with several field- 
pieces, issued through a gate which commanded that pas- 
sage, and attacked them furiously in the rear, while they 
were already engaged with the troops which poured upon 
them in every other quarter. In these desperate circum- 
stances, without a possibility of escape, attacked on all 
sides, and under every disadvantage of ground as well as 
numbers, they obstinately defended themselves for three 
hours, and at last surrendered. 

After the unsuccessful attack of Quebec, the besiegers 
immediately quitted their camp, and retired three miles 
from the city, where they strengthened their quarters as 
well as they were able, being apprehensive of an assault 
from the garrison ; but the one army was as unfit for pur- 
suing, as the other was to sustain a severe attack. The 
governor wisely contented himself with the unexpected 
advantage he had obtained, without hazarding the fate of 
the province by a rash enterprise. Quebec was out of 
danger, and the supplies that were expected would not 
fail to relieve the whole province. Arnold, who was now 
commander-in-chief, saw the perils of his situation. The 
weather continued uncommonly severe, and the hope of 
assistance was distant. Notwithstanding, the provincials 
bore all with patience and resolution. 

Arnold, who had hitherto displayed uncommon abilities 
in his march into Canada, discovered on this occasion the 
vigor of a determined mind, and a genius full of resources. 
Wounded and defeated, he put his troops in such a condi- 
tion as to keep them still formidable ; and, instead of ap- 
pearing as one who had met with a repulse, he continued 



416 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to threaten the city, by turning the siege into a blockade, 
and efTectually obstructed the arrival of supplies of provi- 
sions and necessaries for the town. He despatched an 
express to General Wooster, Avho was at Montreal, to bring 
succors and take upon him the command ; but this could 
not immediately be done. It appears, from the whole of 
his operations, that Carleton considered it a dangerous 
expedient to attack Arnold in the field, though he had 
nearly double the number of his troops ; and that, had it 
been in the power of General Wooster to send a suitable 
reinforcement, the fate of Quebec Avould still -have been 
doubtful, llad not Arnold been wounded, notwithstand- 
ing the death of Montgomery, it is not improbable that 
Quebec would have been taken that evening. 

The American forces, after having blockaded Quebec 
for five months, found it impossible to reduce the city. 
The British received reinforcements in the spring, which 
augmented the number of their troops to thirteen thousand 
men. Tlie small-pox, together with the hardships of the 
season, had reduced the numbers of the Americans so low 
that it was found necessary to withdraw from Canada. 
They accordingly retreated from the province by the way 
of lake Chaniplain, and by the end of June, 1776, Canada 
was com{)letcly evacuated by the American armies. Thus 
nothing but defeats and calamities crowned the efforts of 
the Americans. 

The British, having thus expelled the continental forces 
from the Jerseys and (Janada, tiattered themselves that the 
contest was now at an end. Tliey had the most plausible 
reasons for such a belief Their enemies were routed, dis- 
persed, and obliged to save themselves by flight. The last 
feeble remnant of an American army had retreated across 
the Delaware, amid the storms of winter, tracking the 
frozen soil with the blood from their naked feet. All hope 
for the cause of the revolution seemed utterly extravagant 
and chimerical. But nothing could subdue the soul or 
shake the firmness of Washington. The destinies of his 
country had been committed to his hands, and he resolved 
to fight as long as an arm was left him to lift the sword. 



CAPTURE OF THE HESSIANS AT TRENTON. 1776. 417 

"Sooner than submit," exclaimed he, "we will be driven 
into the wilderness, — across the Mississippi, — across the 
whole continent of America, into the Pacific Ocean ! " 
With this brave resolution, he still made a stand on the 
western bank of the Delaware. The British did not pur- 
sue him beyond that river, and the American troops gained 
a breathing time. 

The overweening confidence of the enemy soon threw 
them off their guard, and they took no great precautions 
against a foe whom they imagined they had disabled 
forever. Washington, ever active and vigilant, discovered 
that General Howe had fallen into such security that he 
had extended the wings of his army from Trenton down 
the river to Burlington, for the purpose of lodging his 
troops more comfortably, thus offering a number of sepa- 
rate points of attack to the Americans. Knowing the 
weakness of Washington's forces, they kept a negligent 
guard, which did not fail to come to the knowledge of 
Washington, who instantly planned a scheme to fall upon 
them by surprise. A body of fifteen hundred British gren- 
adiers and Hessians was stationed at Trenton, on the Del- 
aware, under the command of Colonel Ralle. The night 
of Christmas was appointed by Washington for an attack 
upon this post. Boats were prepared at a convenient spot, 
and the troops, in three columns, marched in order and 
silence toward the Delaware. The officers exhorted the 
soldiers to be firm and valiant, and to wash out the stain 
of the defeats of Long Island, New York and the Jerseys. 
They represented to them that this night was to decide the 
cause of liberty and the fate of the country. The troops 
were animated with extreme ardor, and demanded to be 
led onward. 

In the dusk of the evening they reached the banks of 
the river. Washington hoped that the passage of the 
troops with their artillery might be effected before mid- 
night, so as to enable them to reach Trenton by daybreak. 
But the cold was so intense, and the river so much ob- 
structed by floating ice, that it was four in the morning 
before the artillery could be landed. All the troops having 



418 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



crossed, preparations were made for the attack. The first 
corps was parted in two divisions, one of which, turning 
to the right, marched towards Trenton by the river road. 
The other, led by Washington in person, took the upper or 
Pennington road. The distance by the roads being equal, 
it was supposed the two columns might arrive simultane- 
ously. The troops used all their efforts to arrive before 
day, but a thick fog and a misty sleet, which made the 
road slippery, retarded their march. The two divisions 
reached Trenton at eight in the morning. So much vigi- 
lance and secrecy had been observed in making prepara- 
tions for this expedition, that, notwithstanding the lateness 
of the hour, the enemy had no knowledge or suspicion of 
the impending attack. 




Washington crossing the Delaiuare. 

The first intimation the" royal commander had of the 
approach of an enemy was in the attack of his outposts, 
which the Americans drove in at the first assault. Ralle 
despatched a regiment to their relief, to hold the assailants 
in check, and gain time for the rest of his forces to arrange 
themselves. But the defeated troops involved this body in 



CAPTURE OF THE HESSIANS AT TRENTON. — 1776. 419 

disorder, and both fell back tumiiltuoiisly upon Trenton. 
He then drew out his whole body of Hessians, and advanced 
to meet the Americans in the open field. At the first onset, 
Ralle fell mortally wounded, and the Americans charging 
his line with great fury, the Hessians took to flight, leav- 
ing behind them six pieces of artillery. They attempted 
to escape by the Princeton road, but Washington ordered 
a strong force to cut off their retreat. The Hessians, sur- 
roiAded on every side, were compelled to lay down their 
arms and surrender at discretion. Some few, chiefly cav- 
alry and light infantry, in all not exceeding five hundred 
men, eflected their escape on the lower road to Borden town. 
Another detachment of Hessians, who were out upon a 
foraging excursion at some distance from the camp, learning 
the disaster of their countrymen, retreated precipitately to 
Princeton. 

By this brilliant and successful stroke, Washington cap- 
tured above a thousand prisoners, with the loss of only 
two men killed, and two or three others who perished by 
cold. The Hessians had thirty or forty killed. Washing- 
ton immediately re-crossed the Delaware with his prison- 
ers and the captured artillery. Strong bodies of the enemy 
were quartered in the neighborhood, and his own force 
were unable to cope with the numbers they might assem- 
ble in a few hours. The news of the success at Trenton 
was quickly propagated through the country, and had a 
powerful and instantaneous eflect in reviving the spirits, 
courage and hopes of the people, which had before sunk to 
the lowest point of depression. Washington caused the 
prisoners to be marched, with a sort of triumphal pomp, 
through the streets of Philadelphia, followed by their arms 
and banners. The Hessians, being a people with whom 
the Americans were unacquainted, had been objects of 
great terror throughout the land, and the most extravagant 
and terrific stories were circulated of their courage and 
ferocity. The spectacle of a thousand of these formidable 
warriors led captive by the American militia, at once dis- 
pelled the illusion, and inspired the colonists with a new 
and exciting confidence. 



420 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

Tlie British, on the other liaiid, were equally astounded 
at the sudden disaster which had fallen upon them. They 
imagined their enemy vanquished, dispirited, and every- 
where llociuii; before them. They were unable to conceiv^c 
how troops of such high renown liad been compelled to lay 
down their arms before a l)ody of raw militia, with wretched 
equipments and no discipline. Their whole army through- 
out the Jerseys was instantly in motion. Colonel Donop, 
who occupied liordentown \vitli a strong body of HessiUns, 
iuuucdiatcly abandoned his post, and retreated precipitately 
to join CJeneral iicslie, at Princeton. (General Grant, who, 
with the main body of the army, occupied New Bruns- 
wick, inunediately advanced to the same place. Lord (.^orn- 
wallis, — who was at New York, on the point of embarking 
for England, in the belief that the war was finished, — 
returned with the utmost expedition to the army. The 
Americans, on all sides, ran to arms, and, in a few days, 
the forces of Washington were so nmch augmented by 
militia and volunteers, that he judged himself in a condi- 
tion to strike another blow at the enemy. Accordingly, he 
crossed the Delaware, and took post at Trenton. 

Cornwallis, with a strong British force, was then en- 
camped at Princeton. On the news of Washington's 
movement, he put his troops in motion on the 2d of Jan- 
uary, 1777, to meet his antagonist. The British advanced 
corps reached Trenton about four the next morning. Their 
rearguard was posted at Maidenhead, a village half-way 
between Trenton and Princeton. Other bodies were on 
their march from New l^ruuswick to join C<Mnwallis, and 
Washington, finding so strong a force close ujion him, took 
a strong position behind Assumpink Creek, close to Tren- 
ton, having secured the bridge. The British came up and 
attemptetl to pass the stream at various points, but were 
repulsed by the Americans. A heavy cannonade was kept 
up till night, but Waslungton maintained his post. Corn- 
wallis waited for reinforcements, intending to advance to 
the assault the next day. Washington was now in a crit- 
ical position. The strengtii of the enemy rendered it highly 
perilous to meet him in full force. To recross the Dela- 



BATTLE OF PUINCETON. 1777. 421 

ware was a most hazardous movement, in the face of the 
British army and with the river more than ever ol)striicted 
hy drift-ice. Tiie imminent danger of the American army 
aroused the genius of Washington, and led him to a rcso- 
hition whicli crowned the campaign with the most impor- 
tant success for the American arms. Me resolved to 
abandon, at once, the banks of the Delaware, and carry 
the war into tiie heart of New Jersey. 

A council of war approved tlie plan, and dispositions 
were instantly made for carrying it into ed'ect. The bag- 
gage was sent down the riv»!r to nurlinglon; the weather, 
which had been for two ciays moist, warm and foggy, 
suddenly clianged by a cold northwest wind, the ground 
froze hard and rendered the roads passable. At one o'clock 
in the moriiing of the lOlh, the enemy's camp appearing 
perfectly ({uiet, the Americans kindled a long line of fwes 
in front of tlMiir camp, to deceive the eneniy into tlie l)clief 
that they were sudering from tlx; sudden change of weath- 
er. Then, leaving guards at the brirlge and fords, they 
marched off with great promjUitude and silence. '^J'aking 
a circuitous route, in order to avoid the British post at 
Maidenhead, they directed their course vipon Princeton, 
and, at ])reak of day, fell suddeidy upon the place. Tlic 
I3ritish deftMuhxl tli(Mns(!lves so vigorously that the Anu^ri- 
cau militia W(;re repulsed, and Cjioneral Mercer, in att(!mpt- 
ing to rally them, was mortally womidiid. Washington, 
seeing his vanguard put to the rout, and perfectly aware 
that the loss of the day would involve the ruin of his army, 
immediately advancc;rl with a l)ody of his l)cst troops, and 
restored the fortune of the day. The British were every- 
where driven olf the fi(;ld. They lost one himdred men 
killed, and three hundred taken prisoners. After the bat- 
tle, the Americans took possession of Princeton. 

Nothing could surpass the astonishment of Cornwall is, 
when, at broad day the next morning, the American camp 
was discovered empty. The cannonade at I^rinceton had 
been heard at his quarters, but the British, not dreaming 
of an enemy in that direction, imagined it to be thunder, 
although it was then the depth of winter. Finding him- 
36 



422 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

self out-generalled by this bold and masterly mancBUvre, 
and fearing for the safety of his magazines at Brimswick, 
he immediately decamped for that place. At Princeton, 
he again encountered the American army. Washington, 
whose policy it was to avoid a pitched battle with a force 
so superior, drew oft' his troops skilfully towards the moun- 
tains in the northern part of Jersey, breaking down the 
bridges in his rear. Cornwallis, after marching and counter- 
marching, found it impossible to gain any advantage over 
his enemy, and fell back upon Brunswick, where the alarm, 
occasioned by Washington's bold movements, had been so 
great, that the troops had begun to remove the baggage and 
stores. 

Washington, having recruited his little army, soon re- 
commenced oflensive operations, and scoured the whole 
country as far as Karitan river. He then crossed this 
stream, and, penetrating into the county of Essex, made 
himself master of Newark, Elizabethtown and Woodbrid^e; 
so that he commanded all the Jersey coast in front of Staten 
Island. He selected his positions with so much judgment, 
and fortified them with such a degree of skill, that the 
enemy were unable to drive him from a single post. Thus, 
in a few months, was the face of things entirely changed. 
The British army, after having victoriously overrun the 
whole of the Jerseys quite to the Delaware, and caused 
even Philadelphia to tremble for its own safety, found itself 
expelled from almost every part of the territory, and cooped 
up in the two posts of New Brunswick and Amboy. And 
this had been accomplished by an army reduced to ex- 
tremity, but which, luider the guidance of a skilful and 
indefatigable leader, had obliged a victorious and powerful 
enemy to abandon all thoughts of oflensive war, in order to 
protect himself 

If the Americans were astonished at these unexpected 
exploits of their little army, the surprise and admiration 
on the other side of the Atlantic were no less striking. 
The nations of Europe saw, in the leader of the American 
army, a chief, whose military talents, courage and perse- 
verance placed him in a rank with the most celebrated 



SUCCESSES Of THE AMERICANS. 1777. 



423 



commanders of antiquity. The name of Washington at 
once acquired a brilHant reputation ; it was in the mouths 
of all people, and was celebrated by the pens of the most 
eminent writers. Military men studied his campaigns, 
and pronounced him the American Fabius. 





General Putnam. 



/ 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

American Revolution. — Labors of congress — Continental currency — 
Ravages committed by the British — Tryon's expedition to Connecticut 
— Adventure of Putnam — Campaign in the Jerseys — Expedition of the 
British against Philadelphia — Battle of Brandyivuie — Capture of Phil- 
adelphia — Battle of Germantoicn — Hie army at Valley Forge — Anec- 
dote of Lydia Darrah — Campaign in the north — Burgoyne's expe- 
dition — Capture of Ticonderoga — Siege of Fort Stamcix — Defeat if 
Herkimer — Stratagem of the Americans — Murder of Miss M' Crca — 
Burgoyne''s advance — Battle of Bennington — Gates commander of the 
northern army — Battle of SlilliccUa- — Retreat of Burgoync to Sara- 
toga — Surrender of Burgoyne. 

Congress, in the mean time, was occupied in the difficult 
task of giving harmony and united action to tlie movement 
and feehngs of the ditierent communities which composed 
the American confederation. The governments of tiie thir- 
teen colonies remained distinct and independent, and the 
authority of congress rested only on a voluntary compliance 
on the part of the several colonial governments. It was 
the business of congress to apportion the quotas of troops 
to be raised in each colony, to solicit supplies, to settle 
plans of campaign, and to negotiate with foreign govern- 
ments. 

But, above all, it was important to raise funds. No army 
could be maintained without money, and a revolutionary 
government in the very outset of its career could not hope 
to obtain credit with the capitalists of Europe. Congress 
determined to try what could be done with the people on 
the strength of their own credit. A scheme was projected 
to emit bills in the name of the colonies, which should pass 
for money. Whether any individuals among those who 
devised or sanctioned this scheme, had any precise notion 
of the extent to which it was possible to be carried out, 




3G* 



426 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

does not appear ; but it proved, in the end, to be the boidest 
and most gigantic scheme of finance that was ever con- 
ceived. On the 22d of June, 1775, congress passed a resolve 
" that a sum not exceeding two milHons of Spanish milled 
dollars be emitted by the congress, in bills of credit, for the 
defence of America, and that the twelve confederated colo- 
nies be pledged for the redemption of the bills.'' This reso- 
lution passed unanimously ; the dangers of the country 
were too urgent to allow time to be wasted in minor scru- 
ples. The prospects of the ''continental currency,'' as it 
was called, wore very slender from the beginning. The 
country possessed no revenue or means of any sort for the 
redemption of the bills. Yet the patriotism of the people 
gave them a welcome reception, and the paper dollars 
passed current. In the sequel, this led to the most remark- 
able consequences, which we shall describe in the proper 
place. 

During the year 1777, the enemy wantonly destroyed 
the New York water works, an elegant public library at 
Trenton, and the grand orrery which was placed in the 
college at Princeton. These acts, added to the shameful 
and horrible atrocities committed upon the females in New 
Jersey, called out the following speech o( Governor Liv- 
ingston, to the general assembly of New Jersey. 

" They have plundered friends and foes; such as were 
capable of division, they have divided; such as were 
not, they have destroyed ; they have warred on decrepit 
old age and defenceless youth: thev have committed hos- 
tilities against prot'essors of literature and the ministers 
of religion, against public records and private monuments. 
They have butchered the wounded, asking for quarters; 
mangled the dead, weltering in their blood ; refused the 
dead the rites of sepulture : sutiered prisoners to perish for 
want of sustenance : insulted the persons of females, disfig- 
ured private dwellings of taste and elegance, and profaned 
edilices dedicated to Almighty God." 

In April. 1777, General Howe detached Governor Tryon, 
■with the command of a major-general of provincials, at the 
head of about two thousand men, to destroy the American 



ADVENTURE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 1777. 427* 

Stores at Danbnry, in Connecticut. Tryon executed this 
commission, and destroyed one thousand eight hundred 
barrels of beef, two thousand busliels of wheat, eight hun- 
dred barrels of flour, one thousand seven hundred tents, one 
hundred hogsheads of rum, &.C., with the loss of about a 
hundred men, killed, wounded, and taken, of the Ameri- 
cans. But this expedition cost the British a severe loss. 
Three generals were in the neighborhood. ^Vooster, Arnold, 
and Sullivan. About six hundred militia Avere collected 
in great haste, and followed in pursuit about two miles, 
during a heavy rain. The next morning the troops were 
divided. Wooster fell in the rear of the enemy, while 
Arnold was posted at Ridgeiield, in their front. Wooster 
attacked the enemy, and was mortally wounded in the 
contest. The troops had to retreat. xVrnold gave them a 
severe reception at Ridgetield, and was repulsed, but 
renewed the attack during the next day. The yeomanry 
of the country through which they passed towards the 
sound, constantly annoyed them, and they made a precipi- 
tate retreat to their ships, which conveyed them to TSew 
York. They lost, in killed, wounded, and missins, about 
one hundred and seventy ; while the loss of the Americans 
did not exceed one hundred. General Wooster lingered 
until the 2d of May. and expired, in his seventieth year. A 
monument was voted to his memory by congress, and a 
horse, splendidly caparisoned, Avas presented to Arnold, as 
a token of respect for his intrepidity and good conduct. 

During the above expedition. General Putnam, who had 
been stationed with a respectable force at Reading, and was 
then on a visit to his outpost, at Horse-Neck, was attacked 
by Tryon, with one thousand five hundred men. Putnam 
had only a picket of one hundred and fifty men, and two 
field-pieces, without horses or drag-ropes. He. however, 
placed his cannon on the high ground near the meeting- 
house, and continued to pour in upon the advancing foe, 
until the enemy's horse appeared upon a charge. The 
general now hastily ordered his men to retreat to a neigh- 
boring swamp, inaccessible to horse, while he himself piH 
spurs to his steed, and plunged down the precipice at the 



428 



AMERICAN KEVOLUTJON. 



church. This is so steep as to have artificial stairs, com- 
posed of nearly one hundred stone steps, lor the accoiiiniu- 
datioii of worshippers ascending to the sanctuary. On the 
arrival ot" the dragoons at the brow ol" the hill, they paused, 
thinking it tt.x) dangerous to follow the steps of the adven- 
turous hero. Betoro any could go round the hill and 
descend. Putnam had escaped, iminjured by the many 
balls which were tired at him m his descent : but cue 
touched hnn, and that only passed through his hat. He 
proceeded to Stamford, where, having strengthened his 
picket with some militia, he boldly faced about and pur- 
sued Governor Tryon on his return. 



ilfl':'^'! 



Li? -4 




Early in 1777, Washington lb\md himself at the head 
of a resjxvtablo army, amounting to above seven thousand 
men. The Hritish were much superior, but Wasliington, 
by judiciously selecting strong points of defence, contrived 
to frustrate every attempt oi' his enemy to penetrate again 
into the Jerseys. Sir William Howe toi>k the tield. at the 
head of a very strong lorce. and, by marching and counter- 
marching, through the months of June and July, made 
every possible manumvre to bring his antagonist to battle; 
but Washington foiled all his endeavors so successfidly 
that Howe gave up his design, and determined to make aii 



BATTLE OF BR.KNDYWINE. — 1:T7. 429 

attempt upon Pliiladolpliia by sailing np Delaware Bay, 
The l>ritish army was tlioretoro embarked, and in tlie 
begitniing ot August anivod at the Capes ot DeUwvare. 
Here, lor some imknowu cause, tlie British commander 
altered his phui. and the squadron put to sea again, sailed 
up the Chesapeake, and landed the troops in .Maryland. 
^Vashington immediately broke up his camp belore New 
York, and advanced southward to meet the British. 

From the eastern shores ot" the Cliesapeake, the British 
army moved towards Philadelphia on the od of September. 
^^ asluugton had crossed the Delaware, determined to risk 
a battle in detence of the city. His army consisted of 
about eight thousand etiective men. On the 11th of Sep- 
tember, the tyjL'o armies mot at Braudywinc Creek, near the 
Delaware. The British nuirched to the attack in Uvo 
eolunms, led by Cieneral Knyphausen and Lord Corn- 
wallis. Another colunui attacked the riglit wing of tli« 
Americans. AVashington, deceived by false inteUigence, 
delayed to make the proper dispositions for rejx^lling the 
assault of Cornwallis. The right tlauk of the Americans 
was turned, aiul the troops compelled to retreat. The 
result was a defeat of the Americans, with the loss of 
twelve hundixxl killed and wounded: among the latter 
were La Fayette and tieneral Woodtord. TIk' loss of the 
British was not above half that of the Americans. After 
this victory the British continued to advance, and gained 
p^^session of all the rv^ads loading to rhiladelphia. Many 
partial actions took place, but it was found impossible to 
defend the city. Sir William Howe enteixxi nwladelphia 
in triumph on the 2lith September. 1777. Congress retired 
to Lancaster, and afterwards to Yorktowu. 

Just before this, tlie Marquis de La Fayette, a young 
French nobleman, arrived in the United States, and tender- 
ed his services to congress, and he received a coiumissioii 
as brigadier-general in the service. He joined the army, and 
served at his own expense, and soon became the companion 
and the friend of Washington. His talents as a soldier 
were tirst displayed at Chads Ford, where he received a 
WGimd ill the leg, tJie eflects of which he carried to his 



430 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



grave. The Count Pulaski, a Polish gentleman, also dis- 
tinguished himself in the American army, and was honored 
with the commission of major-general. 




La Fayette, 

Most of the British army was cantoned in Germantown 
Washington, having received reinforcements, attacked this 
place on the 4th of October. He drove the British into tlie 
village, but the latter took possession of a strong stone 
house, from which they could not be dislodged. The 
morning was foggy, and this embarrassed the movements 
of the Americans. Nearly one half their troops were 
obliged to remain inactive. After a severe conflict, the 
assailants found it necessary to retire. The rctrcnt was 
performed in haste, and Lord Cornwallis, with the British 
light horse, pursued the Americans for some miles. The 
loss of the British was about five hundred ; that of the 
Americans, one thousand. Soon after the battle, the British 
retreated from Germantown. 

Tlie approach to Philadelphia from the sea was strongly 
guarded by forts on the Delaware, but the British were 
aware that without the command of the river the posses- 



THE ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE. 1777. 431 

sion of the city would be of little value. Accordingly, 
early in October, a force of two thousand men, under 
Count Donop, attacked the fort at Red Bank, which was 
garrisoned by four hundred men, under Colonel Greene. 
The Americans defended the place with such bravery that 
they compelled the assailants to retire, with the loss of four 
hundred men, including their commander. The British 
also attacked Fort Mifflin, with no better success, losing 
two ships, one of them of sixty-four guns, which was 
burnt. In spite of these repulses, tlie J?ritish renewed 
their attempts, and brought so strong a force to the attack, 
that it was found necessary to evacuate the forts on the 
Delaware in November. iSomc of the American armed 
vessels escaped up the river, but many of them were taken 
or burnt. 

Various military movements took place during the re- 
mainder of the season, but none of them produced any 
decisive result. About the middle of December, Washing- 
ton's army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, 
about sixteen miles from Philadelphia. Here they built 
luits in the midst of the woods, and passed the winter 
amid continual suffering and privation. Many of them 
were without blankets and almost destitute of clothes. 
Provisions, too, were scarce. Yet neither the sulferings 
of hunger nor cold could shake their constancy to the 
cause of their country. They submitted to all without 
murmurs or insubordination. 

When the British army held possession of Philadelphia, in 
1777, General Howe's head quarters were in Second street, 
the fourth door bclo\v Spruce, in a house before occupied 
by General Cadwallader. Directly opposite, resided Wil- 
liam and Lydia Darrah, members of the society of Friends. 
A superior officer of the British army, believed to be the 
adjutant-general, fixed upon one of their chambers, a back 
room, for private conference ; and two of them frequently 
met there, with fire and candles, in close consultation. 
About the 2d of December, the adjutant-general told Lydia 
that he would be in the room at 7 o'clock, and remain late; 
and they wished the family to retire early to bed ; adding, 



432 



AMEKICAX KETOLUTIO?*. 



that when they were going a-vray they xroiild call her to let 
them out and extinguish their lire and candles. She ac- 
cordmgly sent all the family to bed: but. as the olhcer had 
been so particular, her curiosity was excited. She took 
oti" her shex>s and put her ear to the key-hole of the con- 
clave, and overheard an order read for all the British troops 
to march out late iii the evening of the fourth, and attack 
General Washington" s anny. then encamped at White 
Marsh. On hearing this, she returned to her chamber, and 
lay douni. Soon after, the otficer knocked at the door, but 
she rose only at the third summons, having feigned herself 
asleep. Her mind was so much agitated, that, from this 
moment, she could neither eat nor sleep, supposing it to be 
in her power to save the lives of thousands of her country- 
men, but not knowing how she was to convey the infor- 
mation to General Washington, not daring to connde in 
her husband. She quickly determined to make her way 
as soon as possible to the American outposts. She informed 
her lamily. that, as she was in want of flour, she would go 
to Frankford for some : her husband insisted that she 




Lffdia Darrah c^ymmuniaitijig tk€ utitnied 



WMSkxM^tm's erwtff. 



should take the servant maid with her. but, to his surprise, 
she positively refused. She got across to General Howe, 



THE ARMY AT TALLEY FORGE. 1777. 433 

aiid solicited, \rhat he readily granted, to pass through the 
British troops on the lines. Leaving her bag at the mill, 
she hastened toward the American lines, and encomitered 
on her way an .American lieutenant-colonel (Craige) of (he 
lighi-itorse. who. with some oi his men. was on tlie look-out 
tor intormaiion. He knew her. and inquired where she 
was going. She answered, in quest of her son, an olticer 
in the American army, and prayed the colonel to alight 
and walk with her. He did so. ordering his troops to keep 
in sight. To him she disclose^l her secret, after having 
obtained from him a solemn promise never to betray her 
individually, as her life migiit be at stake with the British. 

He conducted her to a house near at hand, directed 
something for her to eat. and hastened to head quarters, 
when he made General Washington acquainted with what 
he had heard. Washington made, of course, all prepara- 
tion for baliiing the meditated surprise. Lydia returned 
home with her tiour: sat up alone to watch the movements 
ot the British troops : heard their footsteps : but when they 
returned in a few days after, did not dare to ask a question, 
though solicitous to learn the event. The next evening, 
the adjutant-general came in. and requested lier to walk 
up to his room, as he wished to put some questions. She 
followed him in terror: and when he looked the door and 
bogged her. with an air of mystery, to be seated, she was 
sure that she was either suspected or had been betrayed. 
He inquired earnestly Avhether any of her family were up 
tlie last night he and the other otiicer met. She told him 
tliat they all retired at eight oclock. He observed. -I 
know you were asleep, for I knocked at your chaiuKr 
door three times before you heard me. I am at a loss to 
imagine who gave General Washington information of our 
intended attack, unless the walls of the house could speak. 
^Vhen we arrived near White Marsh, we found all their 
cannon mounted, and the troops prepared to receive lis, 
and we have marched back like a parcel of fools."' 

In the month of December. 1777. the troops at Yalley 
Forge were employed in erecting log huts for winter quar- 
ters, when about one half of the men were destitute of 
37 



434 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

shoes, stockings, and other necessary articles of clothing; 
some thousands "were without blankets, and were obliged 
to warm themselves by fires all night after the fatigues of 
the day. At one time nearly three thousand were unfit for 
duty, from the want of clothing, and it was notmicommoii 
to trace their march, over ice and frozen ground, by the 
blood from their naked feet. They were often allowed only 
half allowance for several weeks in succession. It was with 
dilliculty that men could be found in a condition fit for 
camp duty. Under these unexampled suficrings, the sol- 
diers exercised a degree of patience and fortitude, which 
has no equal, and refiectsthe highest honor on them. The 
army was not without consolation; the connuander-in-chief 
manifested a fatherly concern for their suilerings, and made 
every exertion in his power to remedy the evil. Being 
authorized by congress, he rehictantly resorted to the 
unpopular expedient of taking provisions from the inhabi- 
tants by force, and thus procured a small supply for imme- 
diate necessity. This was the unhappy condition of the 
army, on whom Washington had to rely for the defence of 
everything hold most dear by the Americans, and this too 
while situated within sixteen miles of a powerful adver- 
sary, with a greatly superior army of veterans, watching 
with a vigilant eye for an opportunity to eftect its destruc- 
tion. 

But while the campaign of 1777 in the south resulted no 
way to the advantage of the Americans, events were 
taking place in the north of the most momentous character, 
and which led to the most brilliant success of the American 
arms. A new plan for invading the colonies was devised 
by the British cabinet, the design of which was to open a 
free communication between Canada and New York by 
marching a poweri'ul army south from Quebec. The 
ministry were sanguine in their hopes that by this move- 
ment New England, which was regarded as the soul of the 
American confederacy, might be severed from the southern 
colonies and be compelled to submission. The design was 
a bold one, and would have been a master-stroke in the 
military art, had the projectors shown proper knowledge 



BURGOYNE's campaign. 1777. 435 

and judgment in their estimation of the means for carrying 
it iuTo success. But the leader whom they appointed to 
conduct the enterprise was Cieneral Burgoyne, an officer 
who liad fought with great bravery in the wars in Europe, 
but was rash, presuuiptuous, conceited, and full of contempt 
for the military prowess of the Americans. He made no 
scruple of boasting, that, with an army often thousand men, 
he would march in triumph from one end of the continent 
to the other. Inspired by these vain boastings, the minis- 
try made extraordinary etlorts to raise and equip the most 
formidable army that had ever been sent to America. A 
large body of Cilerman mercenaries was added to the troops 
enlisted in England. (Jencrals Frazer, Philips and Rei- 
desel, oflicers of known talents and tried courage, were 
appointed to command them. Burgoyne, as lieutenant- 
general of the British forces in America, received ample 
powers for perfecting all the arrangements for the cam- 
paign. A strong body of savages were subsidized in Can- 
ada to assist the British army with the horrors of the 
tomahawk and scalping-knife, and the whole army rendez- 
voused at Quebec, in May, 1777. Sir Guy Carleton, gov- 
ernor of Canada, although the military command of the 
province was taken out of his hands by the appointment 
of Burgoyne, yet made every exertion to promote the 
undertaking. 

Burgoyne now found himself at the head of an army of 
ten thousand men, most thoroughly armed, equipped and 
victualled, and furnished with the finest train of brass 
artillery ever before seen in a British army. It consisted 
of sixty or seventy pieces, sixteen of which were twenty- 
four pounders. His plan was to proceed with the main 
body of the army, by the way of lake Champlain, to the 
river Hudson, while a detachment under St. liCser made a 
circuit by lake Ontario and penetrated to Albany by the 
route of the Mohawk. The army proceeded in boats up 
the St. Lawrence and Sorel, and on their arrival at lake 
Champlain were joined by the Indians. Burgoyne held a 
council with his savage allies. A war dance was performed; 
a profusion of strong liquor was dealt out to them, and the 



436 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

general, in a long speech, aroused their animosity against 
the " Bostonians," as the men of the revohition were then 
called. He thought proper also to indulge a little in the 
hypocritical language of humanity, — as if a lesson of 
humanity, addressed to a savage while marching to battle, 
were anything but a mockery. He cautioned the ferocious 
barbarians not to scalp the wounded, nor their prisoners ; 
but a bounty was to be given for every prisoner taken and 
brought in alive. 

In June, the army arrived at Crown Point, and on the 
19th, operations were commenced agaiiist Ticonderoga. 
General Gates had been succeeded in his command at the 
north by General Schuyler, who placed this fortress in 
good order for defence, and gave the command to General 
St. Clair. The fort was approached by the British, on 
the right wing of the American army, on the 2d of July, 
and possession taken of Mount Defiance. This lies con- 
tiguous to Ticonderoga, and overlooks the fortress. This 
mount had hitherto been deemed inaccessible, and had 
remained unoccupied. Cannon were hoisted by tackles, 
mitil the force was sufficient to dislodge the garrison. To 
save the men, Ticonderoga was now abandoned, and the 
Arherican land force retired to Hubbardton, and thence to 
Castleton, where a stand was made, about thirty miles 
from Ticonderoga. 

General Frazer, supported by General Reidesel, com- 
menced a pursuit in the morning, with the light troops of 
the British and Germans, and overtook the American rear- 
guard, under Colonel Warner, at Castleton, and commenced 
an attack on the 7th, which became sharp and bloody. 
The British were routed at first, with loss ; but finding that 
Colonel Warner was not supported by General St. Clair, 
they rallied to the combat, and, with the bayonet, charged 
and dispersed the American rear, with the loss of about 
three hundred men ; and Colonel Warner retired with the 
remainder of his troops to Fort Ann. 

Burgoyne, with the main body of the British army, 
sailed from Ticonderoga, in pursuit of the American fleet; 
destroyed and dispersed the whole, and landed at Skenes- 




37* 



438 A3IERICAN REVOLUTION. 

borough, now Whitehall. He there detached Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hill, with a strong party, to dislodge the Americans 
from Fort Ann. The garrison marched out on the morn- 
mg of the 6th, and commenced an attack upon the detach- 
ment, which was sharply supported by both parties for 
about two hours, with apparent success on the part of the 
Americans ; but a party of Indians appeared and joined 
Colonel Hill, and the Amei^icans withdrew from the field, 
abandoned the fortress, and retired to Fort Edward, July 
12th. The whole force, at this time, at Fort Edward, did 
not exceed five thousand men. 

The operations of both armies were now commenced 
with vigor. In his retreat, the American general destroyed 
bridges, and obstructed the roads, to impede the pursuit of 
Burgoyne ; but ail these difficulties Avere surmounted, and, 
on the 30th, the British force reached Fort Edward, which 
had been abandoned by Schuyler on the 27th. He retired 
to Saratoga, and, on the 1st of August, removed to Still- 
water, only twenty-five miles north of Albany. The 
nation saw, with deep regret, that this remnant of an army 
Avas compelled lo flee before a victorious enemy, and that 
those important fortresses were abandoned. These events 
greatly depressed the spirits of our countrymen, while the 
foe exulted in the triumph. 

On the 3d of August, Colonel St. liCger was detached by 
General Burgoyne against Fort Stanwix, on the Mohawk, 
as a diversion. To relieve the fort, the American general, 
Herkimer, advanced with eight hundred militia. INcar the 
fort he fell into an Indian ambush, and was killed in a 
most severe action. The garrison sallied oiit, decided the 
sanguinary contest, drove olf the Indians, and relieved the 
fortress. The colonel sent a summons to the fort to sur- 
render, but (Jolonel Gansevoort returned a prompt and 
spirited refusal. The siege of the fort was continued, and 
the garrison were too weak to relieve themselves. An 
object which cannot be accomplished by force is often 
obtained by stratagem. Major Butler, a noted olficer 
among the Indians, and a man by the name of Cuyler, 
who was taken up as a spy, were prisoners in the Ameri- 



440 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

can camp. It was proposed that they should be employed 
as deceptive messengers to spread an alarm and induce 
the enemy to retreat. General Arnold soon after arrived, 
and approved of the plan. It was accordingly agreed that 
they should be liberated on condition that they should 
return to the enemy and make such exaggerated report 
of General Arnold's force, as to alarm and put them to 
flight. They were also promised that their estates should 
be returned to them if they succeeded. Matters being 
thus adjusted, and Cuyler's coat shot through in two 
or three places, he started directly for the Indian camp, 
where he was well known, and informed their war- 
riors that Major Butler was taken, and that himself 
narrowly escaped, several balls having passed through his 
coat, and that General Arnold, with a vast force, was ad- 
vancing rapidly towards them. The stratagem was suc- 
cessful ; the Indians determined to quit the siege ; nor was 
it in the power of St. Leger to prevent them. The conse- 
quence was, that St. Leger, finding himself deserted by 
his Indians, to the number of seven or eiglit hundred, 
deemed his situation so hazardous that he decamped in the 
greatest confusion, leaving his tents and most of his artil- 
lery and stores behind. In the evening, while on their 
retreat, St. liCger had a warm altercation with one of 
the officers about the ill-success of the expedition. Two 
sachems, observing this, resolved to have a laugh at their 
expense; they directed a young warrior to loiter in the 
rear, and then, on a sudden, run as if alarmed, calling out, 
Tlicy arc coining- — //tcij arc coming ! On hearing this, the 
two commanders rushed into a swamp near by, and the 
men threw away their packs and hurried oil. This joke 
was repeated several times during the night. 

Burgoyne's savage allies not only proved an embarrass- 
ment to his movements, by their fickleness and inconstancy, 
but the horrid cruelties which they practised upon the 
defenceless inhabitants excited the utmost indignation 
throughout the country, and brought increased odium upon 
the British cause. A most aggravated case of this sort 
was that of Miss M'Crea, a young and beautiful American 



BURGOYNE S CAMPAIGN. 1777. 



441 



girl, who was betrothed to a British officer. She fell into 
the hands of two of the savages, who disputed about the 
possession of her, and finished the altercation by dashing 
a tomahaAvk into her head. This tragical circumstance 
became the subject of a correspondence between Generals 
Gates and Burgoyne ; and the wide circulation of the 
story throughout the country inflamed the people to the 
utmost zeal against the nation who could employ these 
savage auxiliaries. 




Murder of Miss M Crea. 



During these movements, General Washington detached 
General Lincoln to the northward, to take command of 
such eastern militia as might join the northern army. He 
arrived at Manchester on the 2d of August, where he took 
the command of six hundred militia, and, on the 6th, he 
was joined by General >Stark, with eight hundred more. 
General Stark was a soldier of merit, and had deserved 
well of his country, by his distinguished services in the 
famous battle 'of Bunker's Hill; but he had felt himself 
wounded by the neglect of congress, after the battle, and 
retired. He engaged at this time in the service of his 
country, upon the express condition that he should not be 
constrained to serve under a continental officer; he accord- 
ingly resisted the pressing solicitations of General Schuy- 



442 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

ler, to join him in checking the progress of General Bur- 
goyne. 

Burgoyne continued to advance, and, on the 30th of 
July, reached the Hudson at Fort Edward. On the 9th 
of August, he detached Colonel Baum, with five hundred 
Germans and one hundred Indians, to seize on the Ameri- 
can stores at Bennington, to enable him to pursue his 
march to Albany. General Stark was apprized of this 
movement, and sent expresses to collect the neighboring 
militia, and marched to meet the enemy on the 14th, sup- 
ported by Colonels Warner, Williams, and Brush. The 
advance parties of the two armies met, and commenced a 
skirmishing, that continued through the day. On the 15th, 
all operations were suspended by the excessive rains that 
fell; but, on the 16th, General Stark was joined by the 
Berkshire militia, under Colonel Symonds, and he detached 
Nichols to take post in the rear of the enemy on the left, and 
Colonel Hendrick to take post in the rear of his right, to 
be supported by Colonels Hubbard and Stickley, still far- 
ther on the right. About three o'clock in the afternoon. 
General Stark commenced an attack upon the enemy, 
strongly intrenched, and supported by two field-pieces. 
The attack became general, and was valiantly supported 
on both sides : the Indians fled ; the Germans were over- 
powered, forced from their intrenchments, and put to flight. 
The militia, flushed with the successes of the day, aban- 
doned the pursuit, and gave themselves up to plunder. At 
this eventful moment, Lieutenant-Colonel Breyman joined 
Colonel Baum with a reinforcement ; they rallied to the 
charge, and renewed the combat. Colonel Warner led on 
his regiment of continentals, at this critical moment, and 
supported the action until the militia could recover their 
order, and advance to the charge. The action soon be- 
came general, and continued through the day. The Ger- 
mans again gave way, and secured their retreat under 
cover of the night, leaving their artillery, baggage, &c., 
with two hundred slain, and seven hundred prisoners, 
among whom was Colonel Baum. This was an important 
action, and proved ruinous to General Burgoyne. 



BATTLE OE BENNINGTON. 1777. 443 

The following anecdote of the battle of Bennington 
deserves to be noticed for the honor of the person who was 
the subject of it, though his name has not been ascertained. 
A venerable old man had five sons in the field of battle 
near Bennington. Being told that he had been unfortunate 
in one of his sons, " What," says he, "has he deserted liis 
post, or shrunk from the charge?" Being told that he had 
been slain, but fell contending mightily in the cause, "Then 
I am satisfied," replied the good old man ; " bring him and 
lay him before me." The corpse was brought in and laid 
before him. He then called for a bowl of water and a 
naplcin, and with his own hands washed the gore and dirt 
from the wounds. 

The victory of Bennington had the most important 
effect. It immediately turned the tide of success, which 
till then had run almost constantly against the Americans. 
They now gathered fresh courage ; bodies of mihtia began 
to flock to the scene of action. General Gates was ap- 
pointed to the command of the northern army, and there 
was now a well-grounded hope of checking the progress of 
Burgoyne. On the rear of the British was an American 
force, under General Lincoln, and, on the 18th, General 
Brown destroyed the British stores at lake George, releas- 
ing a number of American prisoners. Successful opera- 
tions were also commenced against Ticonderoga and 
Skenesborough, now Whitehall. Burgoyne had crossed 
the Hudson, and finally took post at Stillwater, but three 
miles from General Gates. 

On the 18th of September, Gates detached about three 
thousand men to off"er the enemy battle ; but he declined 
the combat. On the 19th, the scouting parties of the two 
armies commenced a skirmishing, that led to a general ac- 
tion, which continued through the day, and was supported 
with great zeal and intrepid bravery. Night closed the 
scene, and the two generals drew off their armies to pro- 
tect their camps, and waited with impatience the returning 
day. In this action, the American loss was about three 
hundred, and that of the English about five hundred. 

The American strength was now about seven thousand, 



444 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

not including about two thousand under General Lincoln, 
"who were then at Bennington. The Indian alHes of Great 
Britain were deserting the standard of General Burgoyne 
since the late contest, and four of the Six Nations favored 
the cause of America, and furnished one hundred and fifty 
warriors. The troops under General Lincoln now added 
to tlie force under General Gates, and revived the spirits 
of the army. 

The two armies were within cannon shot, and had fre- 
quent skirmishes until the 7th of October, when the advanc- 
ing parties came in contact about three o'clock in the 
afternoon. The gallant Colonel Morgan, at the head of his 
famous rifle corps, and Major Dearborn, leading a detach- 
ment of infantry, commenced the action. In all parts 
of the field the conflict became extremely furious and 
obstinate, each disdaining to yield the palm of victory. 
Death appeared to have lost his terrors. The Americans 
continued to press forward with renewed strength and 
ardor, and compelled the whole British line, under Bur- 
goyne, to yield to their deadly fire, and retreat in disorder. 
The German troops remained firmly posted at their lines ; 
these were now boldly assaulted by General Learned and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks, with such intrepidity, that 
their works were carried, and their brave commander, 
Colonel Breyman, was slain. All the equipage of the 
brigade fell into the hands of tlie Americans. Nightfall 
put a stop to the action, though the victory was most deci- 
sive. Besides Colonel Breyman, General Frazer, the 
most valuable officer in the British service, and Sir Fran- 
cis Clark, aid-de-camp to General Burgoyne, were mortally 
wounded. Several other ofiicers and about two hundred 
privates were made prisoners ; nine pieces of cannon 
and a considerable quantity of ammunition fell into the 
hands of the Americans, which were much wanted. The 
loss of the Americans did not exceed thirty killed and one 
hundred wounded, while one hundred of the enemy were 
killed, and left unburied on the field. 

On the 8th, General Gates detached a body of troops to 
get into the rear of the British army. Burgoyne took the 



446 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

alarm, and immediately retreated to Saratoga, which he 
accomplished the next night, leaving his hospital, contain- 
ing three hundred sick and wounded, with medicinal stores 
and two hundred barrels of flour, behind. On their retreat, 
the British committed the most wanton devastations, burn- 
ing and destroying almost every house within their reach. 
The elegant and valuable country-seat belonging to Gene- 
ral Schuyler, near Saratoga, did not escape their fury. 

In this critical situation, Sir Henry Clinton made an 
unsuccessful effort to relieve Burgoyne. He pushed up the 
Hudson river, captured Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 
which were bravely defended by General James Clinton 
and his brother, who, with a part of the garrison, made 
their escape. Sir Henry, with wanton cruelty, set fire to 
houses and buildings of every description, destroying, by 
conflagration, the church and every other building in the 
beautiful town of Esopus. 

After the capture of the two forts, Clinton despatched a 
messenger, by the name of Daniel Taylor, to Burgoyne, 
with the intelligence. Fortunately, he was taken on the 
way as a spy. Finding himself in danger, he was seen to 
turn aside and take something from his pocket and swal- 
low it. The American commander ordered a severe dose 
of emetic tartar to be administered ; this produced the 
effect ; he discharged a small silver bullet, which, being 
unscrewed, was found to enclose a letter to Burgoyne. 
"Out of thine own mouth thou shalt be condemned." 
The spy was tried, convicted and executed. 

General Burgoyne now perceived that all the passes in 
his rear were strongly guarded, and that further retreat 
was next to impossible. In this difficulty, he called a 
council on the ISth of October. While the council Avas 
deliberating, an eighteen pound shot crossed the table, and 
they resolved unanimously to propose terms with General 
Gates. The proposals of Gates were rejected, and General 
Burgoyne then sent in terms, on which the capitulation 
was finally made. The news of the capture in the High- 
lands is said to have arrived at this juncture, which led 
General Burgoyne to hesitate, in expectation of relief from 



SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE. — 1777. 



447 



Sir Henry Clinton. General Gates, seizing the critical 
moment, drew up his army in battle array, and sent in a 
flag, demanding a reply in ten minutes. The responsi- 
bility was great, and Burgoyne felt it. The treaty was 
signed on the 17th of October, and returned in due time. 

The whole British army marched out of their lines, de- 
posited their arms, and became prisoners of war. The 
Americans marched in, under the tune of Yankee Doodle, 
and took quiet possession. General Gates ordered supplies 
to be issued to the British army, who were destitute, and 
the solemn scene was closed. The trophies which were 
gained by this great victory, were five thousand seven 
hundred and ninety-one prisoners, a train of brass artillery 
and other ordnance immensely valuable, consisting of 
forty-two pieces of brass cannon, besides seven thousand 
muskets, with seventy-two thousand cartridges and an 
ample supply of shot, shells, and clothing for seven thou- 
sand men, with a large number of tents and other military 
stores. 




Surrender of Burgoyne. 



CHAPTER XXXIY. 

Amkucas RsTQLvnox. — J^ecfs of the captntre ofBwrgwjfme a . 
Astotusimmt and mortificatkm of tie Britisk — (^^fosihon n ^ 
meni — Oistinaty of the ministry — Treaty of aHiamce wiik Frmue — 
War between Fraxce and England — Eracuation of PkUadeifkim if the 
Britisk — Battk ofMoKmoutk — Arriral of a French jket m Americm — 
Camprngn m Bhode Island — Borages of lie British — Auecdttes oftks 
vmr — Thomas Paine — iHtrignes of tie Britisi — Massacre at Wyomimg 
— fihtrprise and massacre of Colottel Baylor's ngintent — £iR«^ wear- 
fare in Pennsylrmua — Cenrpaign in Georgia — Ceptttre «f Saraxnah 
by tie British — Invasion of South Carehna — Peril of Ciarkstam — 
Georgia ocemm By tie British — They retreat from Charleston — De- 
vastatimu of the British in Vsrgimia. 

Tee capture of Burgoyne's army produced the most im- 
portant results on the other side of the Atlantic- The 
spectacle of a \rhoIe British army laying down their arms 
and surrendering prisoners of \rar. at once fixed the atten- 
tion of all Europe, The turn of allairs in favor of the 
American cause was prodigious. The previous disasters 
of the American arms had induced a behef in Europe, even 
among the friends of the colonists, that the cause of inde- 
pendence could not succeed. The rapid advance of Bur- 
goyne into the interior, the fq^ll of tlie important fortress of 
Ticonderoga, and the boastfid annoimcements of victory 
made by the British and cireidated all over Europe, had 
produced a general impression that the colonists \rere at 
length completely subdued. In the midst of the exulta- 
tions in England, at these flattering prospects, came the 
imexpected and astomiding intelligence that Burgoyne and 
his army had laid down their arms before a victorious 
American army. On the evening of the day on \rhich the 
ministry* received their private despatches containing the 
newSj a rimior of their contents had got into the house of 



K^T ' LCTS. OF THE TlCTCMtT AT SABATOGA-- 



449 



just as the members had assembled. Chie of 
them arose^ and with the most imperatire earnestness of 
mann er addressed the treasury benches, demanding what 
were the accounts from America. Being compelled to dis- 
close the moniiying fact, the chancellor of the exchequer 
arose, and. in a weak and faint voice, infcwmed the honse it 
was too true that General BurgojTie and his army were 
prisoners of war. 

At this announcement, a storm of indignation, sarcasm, 
reproach and invectlTe was poured upon the kings min- 
isters by the speakers of the opposition, who orerwhelmed 
them with the biuerest declamation on their imbeciUty, 
rashness and obstinacv. Edmund Burke, who had been 




til^> 



from the beginning the n^iend and champion of the colo- 
nists, exhausted all the powers of his eloquence in attempt- 
ing to convince the ministry and their partisans of the 
madness of their attempt to reduce the Americans by force. 
But. in spite of all this tempest of argimient and rhetoric, 
and the mortifying calamities which had fallen npon the 
arms of Britain, such was the infaruation of the court and 
3S* 



450 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



ministry, that the hostile temper was kept up. The min- 
isters declared, " If ten thousand men cannot conquer Amer- 
ica, ^//y //lousivid s/iall !'' And with the help of a strong 
majority in parliament, more supplies were raised, new 
troops levied, antl the war carried on. 

The most important among the innnediate consequences 
of the capture of Burgoyne, was the treaty of alliance 
between America and France. 





'i^. 



W 



Fratikliit. 




Dr. Franklin, who, after having served the country as 
colonial agent in Jlngland, hail roturiieil to America in sea- 
son to sign the Declaration of Independence, sailed innnedi- 
ately after on a mission to Paris, lie was well received 
by the French, among M'hom he stood in high repntatiou 
for his brilliant discoveries in science. l>nt, during the 
early part of his residence there, the atlairs of the colonists 
were in so unpromising a condition that he was imable to 
accomplish anything in their favor by negotiation. Frank- 
lin was joined by Silas Deane and Arthur Lee, as associate 
commissioners in the ne£!;otiation : and at length, on the 
news of the important victory o[ Saratoga, the French 



ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE. 1773. 



451 



ministry conceived so high an opinion of the spirit and 
determination of the Americans, that they resolved to 
espouse their cause. Accordingly, on the Gtli of February, 
1778, a treaty of alliance between the French king and the 
thirteen American slates was signed at Paris. By this 
treaty the king acknowledged (he independence of the colo- 
nies, and agreed to assist tliein with a fleet and army, in 
case war should break out between France and England; 
in the event of which, the contracting parties were to make 
common cause, and neither party was to lay down arms 
till the independence of the United States should be lirnily 
secured. The news of this treaty exasperated the British 
ministry with the highest rage against the French. Their 
ambassador was immediately recalled from Paris, and war 
shortly afterwards broke out between the two kingdoms. 




Silas Denite. 

The British army, under Sir Henry Clinton, lay inactive 
at Philadelphia during the early part of 1778. But the 
intelligence of the French alliance, and the apprehension 
of seeing a French squadron on the coast, caused that gen- 
eral to conceive fears for his safety, and he decided to 



452 AMEKICAN REVOLUTION. 

abandon Pliiladelphia. On the ISth of June, the royal 
army crossed the Delaware, on the road to New York. But 
Washhigton had foreseen this, and prepared the mihtia of 
New Jersey to give the British a troublesome march. He 
crossed the Delaware in pursuit, and the hostile armies met 
at Aloumoutli on the i^Sth. sixty-four miles from Philadel- 
phia. The contest was severe, and the weather so hot, 
that numbers of both armies perished from that cause, and 
the use of water when it could be obtained. Owing to the 
misconduct of General Lee. the Americans failed of achiev- 
ing a decided victory. They remained on the battle- 
ground, intending to renew the contest in the morning, but 
the enemy made good a retreat. The loss of the Americans 
•was eight otiicers and sixty-one privates killed, and one 
hundred and sixty wounded. The British loss, in killed, 
woimded and missing, was three hundred and fifty-eight 
men. including olhcers. One hundred prisoners were taken, 
and the loss by desertion was one thousand. Sir Heniy 
retired, by forced marches, to Sandy Hook, where he was 
taken on board the liect, and embarked the army for New 
York. General Lee was censured by a court-martial for 
disobedience of orders on this occasion. It appears that he 
first declined a particular command, and then asked for it. 
Washington directed him to commence the attack, "unless 
there should be powerful reasons to the contrary ;"' and his 
disobedience •• and doubtful movements" appear to have 
marred the expected success, and justified the event, in 
depriving him of his coimiiand. 

The French government, bv the terms of the treaty, had 
now entered into tb.e war. On the Sth of July, Count 
D'Estaiug entered the capes of the Delaware, with the 
Toulon tleet. after a passage of eighty-seven days : Lord 
Howe had been gone only eleven days, and Sir Henry 
Clinton had evacuated Philadelphia only one month before, 
and was now embarking his army at Sandy Hook, for New 
York. The French fleet was about double the force of the 
Enslish. both in the number of ships and weight of metal. 

D'Estaing landed Mr. Gerard, French minister to the 
United States, who was most cordially received by congress 



OPERATION'S OF THE FRENCH FLEET. 177S. 4o3 

at Philadelphia, and. on tlie 9th. set sail for Sandy Hook, 
where he arrived on the 11th. and blockaded the English 
squadron in the harbor. The count made all possible 
ciibrts to attack the English tleet in the harbor, but found 
it impracticable to cross the bar with his heavy ships, and, 
on the '22d. agreeably to advice from General Washington, 
he set sail for ^Newport, to cooperate in the destruction of 
the British fleet and army at Rhode Island. Admiral 
Byron's squadron arrived at Sandy Hook, a few days after 
the departure of the French fleet, in a very broken, sickly, 
dismasted, distressed situation. The provision ships from 
Cork arriveci also, and entered the harbor of ]\ew York in 
saloiy. to the inexpressible joy of the British army, who 
were in great want of supplies. 

D'Estaing arrived otf Point Judith on the 20th of July; 
and such was the joy upon tlie occasion, that it diflused 
the fire and zeal of 1775 and 1T7G throughout New Eng- 
land. Volunteers, by thousands, flocked to the standard 
of their country to join General Sullivan, and cooperate 
with their illustrious allies in the reduction of Rhode Island. 
"Washington had detached La Fayette and General Greene, 
with two thousand men, to join the general enterprise. 
The American force was now about ten thousand strong. 
Sir Robert Pigot. who commanded at Newport, had been 
reinforced with five battalions, which rendered his force 
about six thousand strong. Thus balanced, the parties 
commenced their operations. DEstaing entered the har- 
bor of Newport on the ISth of August, without opposition. 
General Pigot. the British commander, destroyed the 
English shipping, to prevent their falling into the liandsof 
the French. On the 9th of August, at eight in the morning, 
Sullivan besan to cross over with his army from Tiverton, 
the enemy having abandoned their works at the north end 
of the island. At two in the morning. Lord Howe appeared 
otf Point Judith, with a fleet of twenty-five sail of the line, 
where he anchored for the night. On the 10th. D'Estaing, 
eager to meet the British fleet, took advantage of the wind, 
and put to sea. The two fleets manceuvred through the 
dav. without comin? to action. On the 11th, a violent sale 



454 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

sprang up, and continued through the 12th and 13th, 
which parted the fleets, dismasted the French admiral's 
ship, destroyed her rudder, and greatly damaged several 
others. On the 14th, the gale abated, and close and severe 
actions commenced between several single ships of the two 
fleets, but nothing decisive. The count, having collected 
six of his ships, covered his disabled fleet, and stood in for 
Newport, and came to anchor. Greene and La Fayette 
went on board the admiral's ship, and pressed him to 
enter the harbor of Newport, and complete the enterprise ; 
but the fleet was so shattered by the storm, and the oflicers 
were generally so averse, that the count concluded to sail 
for Boston. 

Meantime the troops under General Sullivan had gained 
the north end of the island, and marched down upon the 
enemy's lines, ready to cooperate with the f^rench fleet, 
and commence the attack ; but their sufferings in the storm 
were so severe, that the troops were in a deplorable state. 
On the 15th, the American army had recovered from their 
fatigues, and were again prepared for action. In this situ- 
ation they continued, anxiously waiting the movements of 
the French fleet, to join in the general attack ; but, to their 
grief and astonishment, they saw them weigh and stand 
off" for Boston, on the 24th. The mortification of General 
Sullivan was greater than the pride of an American soldier 
could sustain, and he expressed himself unguardedly, in 
his general orders, on the occasion. On the2Sth, however, 
Count D'Estaing wrote to congress, from Boston, and 
explained his movements to their satisfaction. 

Sullivan soon saw himself abandoned by most of the 
volunteers, which reduced his army to a standard below 
that of the enemy, and he hastened to secure his retreat. 

On the 25th, he sent off" his heavy cannon, and on the 
29th retired to the north end of the island. General Pigot 
pursued with his whole force, to intercept his retreat. The 
advance-guard of the enemy was soon engaged with the 
rearguard of the Americans, and a severe action ensued, 
that continued through the day. The next day, Sullivan 
learnt that Lord Howe was again at sea, and that the 



RAVAGES OF THE BRITISH. — 1778, 455 

French fleet was not expected to return to Newport, and he 
hastened to evacuate the island. With the assistance of 
Greene and La Fayette, he conducted his retreat in the 
presence of a superior foe, whose sentries were not more 
than four hundred yards distant from the American sentries; 
and, on the morning of the 1st of September, 1778, the 
retreat was accomphshed without the loss of a man, or any 
part of the artillery or baggage. The same day, Clinton 
arrived off Newport, on board of the fleet under Lord 
Howe, with four thousand troops, to cut off" the American 
retreat ; but, learning the departure of the French for Boston 
and the retreat of the Americans, he set sail for Boston, in 
pursuit of the French. On the morning of the 3d, he dis- 
covered the French fleet in the harbor of Boston, strongly 
posted, and returned to New York. On the 5th, Howe 
commenced an attack upon the American shipping in New 
Bedford harbor, and destroyed about seventy sail, besides 
small craft, stores, dwelling-houses, and vessels on the 
stocks, together with the magazine, to the amount of twenty 
thousand pounds sterling. He then attacked Martha's 
Vineyard, destroyed all the vessels, and carried off the arms 
of the militia, and public money, three hundred oxen, and 
ten thousand sheep, and returned to New York with his 
plunder. 

These and many other marauding excursions, in which 
the British soldiery abandoned themselves to every excess 
of wanton violence and brutality towards the defenceless 
inhabitants, only exasperated the people to a more deter- 
mined resistance against their invaders. Volumes might 
be filled with anecdotes illustrating the spirit and temper 
which prevailed at this period. The limits of our work 
will allow us to specify one or two incidents. 

lu a former chapter we have related the story- of a citizen 
of Billerica, in Massachusetts, who was tarred and feathered 
by the British grenadiers, in Boston, for purchasing a mus- 
ket. The man who had been thus shamefully dealt with, 
obtained revenge in his own way. Keeping in his posses- 
sion the same old musket, an opportunity was not long 
wanting for that purpose. His country flew to arms, to 



456 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



redress public grievances, and he to revenge his private 
ones. As soon as he heard that tlie British had marched to 
Concord, he seized the same musket, and liew to the scene 
of action. When the British were on the retreat, he selected 
a tree, with thick boughs, by the road-side, and, taking 
deliberate aim, every shot from the dear-bought musket 
took off one of the enemy. Aiming particularly at the 
officers, he soon brought down the commander of the tar- 
kettle. Half a dozen shots were fired into the tree ; two of 
the bullets passed through his hat, but did no other dam- 
age. He was also present at the battle of Bunker Hill, 
where he had an opportunity of using the old musket to 
still greater advantage ; reserving his fire, agreeably to the 
mode enjoined by Putnam, until he could see the enemy's 
eye, he brought down his man at every shot. He was the 
last to leave the ditch, and when his powder and ball were 
expended, he fought furiously with the butt of his musket, 
and as he dashed in the skulls of two or three in quick 
succession, he exclaimed, "That's to pay for the tar and 
feathers." 




Bravery of Sergeant Jasper. 

Mr. Jasper, a sergeant in the rev^olutionary army, had a 
brother, who had joined the British, and who, likewise, held 



ADVENTURES OF SERGEANT JASPER. 1778. 457 

the rank of sergeant in their garrison at Ebenezer, in Geor- 
gia. No man could be truer to the American cause than 
Sergeant Jasper; yet he warmly loved his tory brother, 
and actually went to the British garrison to see him. His 
brother was exceedingly alarmed, lest he should be seized 
and hung as an American spy; for his name was well 
known to many of the British officers. " Do not trouble 
yourself," said Jasper; "I am no longer an American sol- 
dier." " Thank God for that, William," exclaimed his 
brother, heartily shaking him by the hand; "and now, 
only say the word, my boy, and here is a commission for 
you, with regimentals and gold to boot, to fight for his 
majesty King George." 

Jasper shook his head, and observed, that, though there 
was but little encouragement to fight for his country, he 
could not find it in his lieart to fight against her. And 
there the conversation ended. After staying two or three 
days with his brother, inspecting and hearing all that he 
could, he took his leave, returned to the American camp, 
by a circuitous route, and told General Lincoln all that he 
had seen. Soon after, he made anotlicr trip to the English 
garrison, taking with him his particular friend. Sergeant 
Newton, who was a young man of great strength and 
courage. His brother received him with his usual cor- 
diality ; and he and his friend spent several days at the 
British fort, without giving the least alarm. On the morn- 
ing of the third day, his brother observed that he had 
bad news to tell him. " Ah ! what is iti" asked William. 
"Why," replied his brother, "here are ten or a dozen 
American prisoners, brought in this morning, as deserters, 
from Savannah, whither they are to be sent immediately ; 
and, from what I can learn, it will be apt to go hard with 
them, for it seems they have all taken the king's bounty." 

" Let us see them," said Jasper. So his brother took him 
and his friend Newton to see them. It was, indeed, a mel- 
ancholy sight to see the poor fellows, handcuffed upon the 
ground. But when the eye rested on a young woman, 
wife of one of the prisoners, with her child, a sweet little 
boy of five years, all pity for the male prisoners Avas for- 
39 



453 



AMERICAN REVOLtlTION. 



gotten. Her humble garb showed that she was poor ; but 
her deep distress and sympathy with her unfortunate hus- 
band proved that she was rich in conjugal love, more pre- 
cious than all gold. She generally sat on the ground, 
opposite to her husband, with her little boy leaning on her 
lap. and her coal-black hair spreading in long, neglected 
tresses on her neck and bosom. Sometimes she would sit 
silent as a statue of grief, her eyes fixed upon the earth ; 
then she would start with a convulsive throb, and gaze on 
her husband's face with looks as, piercing sad, as if she 
already saw him struggling in the halter, herself a widow, 
and her son an orphan : while the child, distressed by his 
mother's anguish, added to the pathos of the scene by the 
artless tears of childish suflering. Though Jasper and 
Newton were undaunted in the field of battle, their feelings 
were subdued by such heart-stirring misery. As they 
walked out into the neighboring wood, the tears stood in 
the eyes of both. Jasper first broke silence. " Newton," 
said he, "my days have been but few; but I believe their 
course is nearly finished." " Why bo, Jasper?" ""Why, 
I feel that I must rescue those poor prisoners, or die with 
them; otherwise, the remembrance of that poor woman 
and her child will haunt me to my grave." " That is 
exactly what I feel, too," replied Newton ; " and here is 
my hand and heart to stand by you. my brave friend, to 
the last drop. Thank God, a man can die but once ; and 
why should we fear to leave this life in the wav of our 
duty?" 

The friends embraced each other, and entered into the 
necessary arrangements for fulfilling their desperate reso- 
lution. Immediately after breakfast, the prisoners were 
sent on their way to Savannah, under the guard of a ser- 
geant and corporal, with eight men. They had not been 
gone long, before Jasper, accompanied by his friend New- 
ton, took leave of his brother, and set out on some pre- 
tended errand to the upper country. They had scarcely, 
however, got out of sight of Ebenezer, before they struck 
into the woods, and pushed hard after the prisoners and 
their guard, whom the}" closely dogged for several miles. 



ADVEXTURES OF SERGEANT JASPER. 1773. 459 

anxiously watching an opportunity to make a blow. The 
hope, indeed, seemed extravagant; for what could two 
unarmed men do against ten. equipped with loaded muskets 
and bayonets ] However, unable to give up their comitry- 
mcn. our heroes still travelled on. 

About two miles from Savannah, there is a famous spring, 
generally called the Spa, well known to travellers, who 
often stopped there to quench their thirst. '"Perhaps," 
said Jasper, '• the guard may stop there."' Hastening on 
through the woods, they gained the Spa, as their last hope, 
and there concealed themselves among the thick bushes 
that grew around the spring. Presently, the mournful 
procession came in sight of the spring, where tlie sergeant 
ordered a halt. Hope sprung afresh in the bosoms of our 
heroes, though, no doubt, mixed with great alarm: for ''it 
was a fearful odds.'' The corporal, with his guard of four 
men, conducted the prisoners to the spring, while the ser- 
geant, with the other four, having grounded their arms 
near the road, brought up the rear. The prisoners, wea- 
ried with their long walk, were permitted to rest themselves 
on the earth. Poor Mrs. Jones, as usual, took her seat 
opposite her husband, and her little boy, overcome with 
fatigue, fell asleep in her lap. Two of the corporal's men 
were ordered to keep guard, and the other two to give the 
prisoners drink out of their canteens. These last ap- 
proached the spring; where our heroes lay concealed, and, 
resting their muskets against a pine tree, dipped up the 
water. Having drunk themselves, they turned away, with 
replenished canteens, to give to the prisoners also. '' Now 
Newton, is our time,'' said Jasper. 

Then, bursting like lions from their concealment, they 
snatched up the two muskets that were resting against the 
pine, and, in an instant, shot doA;\m the two soldiers who 
were upon guard. It was now a contest who should get 
the two loaded muskets that fell from the hands of the 
slain ; for, by this time, a couple of brave Englishmen, 
recovering from their momentary panic, had sprung and 
seized upon the muskets ; but before they could use them, 
the swift-handed Americans, with clubbed guns, levelled a 



460 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

final blow at the heads of their brave antagonists. The 
tender bones of the skull gave way, and down they sunk, 
pale and quivering, without a groan. Then, hastily seiz- 
ing the muskets, which had thus a second time fallen from 
the hands of the slain, they flew between their surviving 
enemies and their weapons, grounded near the road, and 
ordered them to surrender ; which they instantly did. 
They then snapped the handcufls of the prisoners, and 
armed them with muskets. 

At the commencement of the fight, poor Mrs. Jones had 
fallen to the earth in a swoon, and her little son stood 
screaming piteously over her. But when she recovered, 
and saw her husband and his friends freed from their fet- 
ters, she behaved like one frantic with joy. She sprung 
to her husband's bosom, and, with her arms round his 
neck, sobbed out, " My husband is safe — bless God, my 
husband is safe." Then, snatching up her child, she 
pressed him to her heart, as she exclaimed, '"Thank God! 
my son has a father yet." Then, kneeling at the feet of 
Jasper and Newton, she pressed their hands vehemently, 
but, in the fulness of her heart, she could only say, " God 
bless you ! God Almighty bless you ! " For fear of being 
retaken by the English, our heroes seized the arms and 
regimentals of the dead, and, with their friends and cap- 
tive foes, recrossed the Savannah, and safely joined the 
American army at Purisburgh, to the inexpressible aston- 
ishment and joy of all. 

The celebrated Thomas Paine, then known only as a 
political writer, came to America in the early part of the 
contest, and employed his pen with great success in de- 
fence of the cause of independence. He was master of a 
plain, forcible and homely style, admirably fitted for popu- 
lar effect. His pamphlet entitled Common Sense had a 
prodigious circulation, and contributed not a little in 
strengthening the feeling of opposition to the domineering 
spirit of Britain. Paine's political writings were numerous, 
and much applauded by the friends of free institutions. 
But his popularity received a severe shock by his subse- 
quent writings against religion, which were composed 
amidst the maddening frenzy of the French revolution. 



DIPLOMATIC MEASURES OF THE BRITISH. — 1778. 461 




Tlwmas Faine. 

The following extract of a letter from General Washing- 
ton, strikingly illustrates the situation of affairs at this 
period : '"It is not a httle pleasing, nor less wonderful, to 
contemplate, that, after two years" manoeuvring, and mider- 
going the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended 
any one contest since the creation, both armies are brought 
back to the very point they set out from, and the otfend- 
mg party, in the beginning, is reduced to the spade and 
pick-axe for defence. The hand of Providence has been 
so conspicuous in. all this, that he must be worse than 
an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has 
not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.'"' 

The British, distrustmg the success of their arms, deter- 
mined to accomplish their object by the arts of diplomacy. 
An attempt was made to bribe Mr. Reed, and other mem- 
bers of congress, to assist in reconciling the Americans to 
the English government. The instrument of this attempt 
was George Johnston, Esq., one of the British commis- 
sioners. Mr. Reed replied — •■ I am not worth buyinsr. but 
such as I am, the king of England is not rich enough to do 
it." The facts were disclosed to congress, and excited 
considerable feeling. Congress then resolved, that all let- 
ters addressed to members of congress by British commis- 
sioners, or agents, or any subjects of the king of Great 
39* 



462 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

Britain, of a public nature, should be laid before that body. 
To this resolution, a spirited reply was made from New 
York, by Johnston, and a total disavowal of the facts, on 
the part of Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Carlisle, and Mr. 
Eden. At the same time, a ratification of the convention 
of Saratoga \V^s tendered, that the troops of Ikirgoyne 
might be sutfered to embark for England. This was de- 
clined by congress, unless ratified by the British govern- 
ment. By the terms of Saratoga, the British troops were 
to be sent home on their parole. This was not done, as 
the British officers had violated the treaty in not giving 
up their side arms, and Burgoyne's troops were detained 
at Boston. 

The British commissioners then appealed to the peo- 
ple, and this was allowed by congress, trusting that the 
good sense of the inhabitants would treat it with contempt, 
and cover the authors with lasting disgrace. Chagrined 
by their failure in this insidious measure, they denounced 
the American government in a manifesto, threatening the 
American people with destruction, if they determined to 
persevere in their rebellion, and adhere to their alliance 
with France. This idle threat was fairly met by congress, 
by a statement of the mode of warfare adopted by the 
enemy, which was thus concluded : " If our enemies pre- 
sume to execute their threats, or persist in their present 
career of barbarity, we will take such exemplary ven- 
geance as shall deter others from a like conduct. We 
appeal to that God, who is the Searcher of hearts, for 
the rectitude of our intentions, and in his holy presence 
declare, that as we are not moved by any light or hasty 
suggestions of anger or revenge, so, through every possible 
change of fortune, we Avill adhere to this our determina- 
tion." 

Dr. Franklin, till now a commissioner at the French 
court, was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court 
of Versailles, with instructions to negotiate for an expedi- 
tion to Canada. About this time, the Sieur Gerard deliv- 
ered his credentials to congress, and was recognised as a 
minister from the French court. La Fayette requested 



DESTRUCTION OF WYOMING. 1778. 463 

leave to return to France, to which congress readily con- 
sented, and directed the president to express to him, by- 
letter, the thanks of congress, for that disinterested zeal 
that led him to America, as well as those services he had 
rendered the United States, by the exertio^is of his cour- 
age and abilities, on many signal occasions. They also 
directed Dr. Franklin to cause an elegant sword to be 
made, with proper devices, and presented to the marquis, 
in the name of the United States. Congress, at the same 
time, addressed a letter to the king of France, expressive 
of the high sense they entertained of the talents and 
services of the marquis. He took his leave of congress by 
letter, repaired to Boston, and embarked for France. 

During these movements, the Indians, in concert with 
the tories, began their ravages upon the Susquehanna; in 
August, 1778, they entered the settlements in a body of about 
sixteen hundred ; defeated Colonel Butler, at the head of 
about four hundred men, and cut off his party with a ter- 
rible slaughter. They took one small fort at Kingston, 
and then carried Fort Wilkesbarre ; butchered the garrison, 
and burnt the women and children in the barracks. They 
next proceeded to lay waste the settlements in the valley 
of Wyoming with fire and sword, and destroyed the cattle 
in the most wanton and barbarous manner; but spared 
the persons and property oC the tories. These savage 
marauders Avere commanded by Colonel John Butler, a 
tory refugee, who was more cruel than his savage allies. 
The Americans were craimanded by Colonel Zeb Butler, 
cousin to the commander of the savages. The women 
and children took refuge in the fort, which was defended 
by Colonel Dennison. After most of his men had fallen, he 
went out with a flag, to inquire what terms would be 
granted to them, on surrendering the garrison. He re- 
ceived from the ferocious Butler a reply in two words ; 
"The hatchet." Colonel Dennison was finally obliged to 
surrender at discretion ; when tlie threat of Butler was 
rigidly executed. The inhabitants, including women and 
children, were inclosed in the houses and barracks, which 
were immediately set on fire, and the demons of hell 



464 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

glutted their vengeance in beholding their destruction in one 
general conflagration. They even extended their cruelty 
to the cattle in the fields, shooting some, and cutting out 
the tongues of others, leaving them alive. A few of the 
inhabitants only escaped, who fled to the woods, destitute 
of provisions or covering, shuddering with fear and dis- 
tress ; their sufferings were extreme. The cries of widows 
and orphans called loudly for the avenging hand of heaven. 
The name of Colonel John Butler ought to be consigned 
to eternal infamy, for the base treachery and cruelty with 
which he betrayed his kinsman. Colonel Zeb Butler, a 
respectable American officer, while under the sanction of a 
flag. 

Early in October, Sir Henry Clinton detached Captain 
Ferguson, with about three hundred men, upon an expedi- 
tion to Little Egg Harbor, under a strong convoy, to de- 
stroy the American shipping and privateers; but these 
being removed. Captain Ferguson proceeded up to Chesnut 
Neck, where he destroyed such vessels as were there, 
together with the whole village, and laid waste the adja- 
cent country, and rejoined the squadron. On the 15th, 
the convoy, with tlie troops, moved round to another landing 
place not far distant, and landed two hundred and fifty 
men, under the command of Captain Ferguson, who ad- 
vanced into the country in the silence of night, and 
surprised Count Pulaski's light infantry ; killed the Baron 
de Base and Lieutenant De la Brodcric, with fifty privates. 
These were mostly butchered in cold blood, begging for 
mercy, under the orders oi no quarters ; but Count Pulaski 
closed this horrid scene, by a sudden charge of his cavalry, 
that put to flight the murderous foe, and thus saved the 
remnant of his infantry. Captain Ferguson made a hasty 
retreat, embarked his party, and returned to New York. 

Admiral Graves arrived at New York, on the 16th of 
October, in a most shattered condition, from a violent 
storm, which detained him the remainder of the month, to 
repair the fleet. About the first of November he put to 
sea, and appeared off" the harbor of Boston, on a visit to the 
Count D'Estaing; but a violent storm here overtook him, 



'wm^^ 







466 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

scattered his fleet, destroyed the Somerset, of sixty-four 
guns, on the shores of Cape Cod, and forced tiie rest into 
Rhode Island for sheUer. 

About this time a regiment of American cavalry, com- 
manded by Colonel Baylor, being posted on the lines near 
Tappaan, their situation was betrayed by some tories. A 
party of the enemy surprised them while in a barn, in the 
night, and massacred a part of them with the most savage 
cruelty. The commander of the party who disgraced 
themselves by this foul deed, was the English general 
Grey. Colonel Baylor's detachment consisted of one hun- 
dred and four horsemen. The attack was so sudden, that 
they were entirely defenceless, and the enemy immediately 
commenced the horrid work of slaughter. Their entreaties 
and cries for mercy were totally disregarded. Very few 
only of this regiment escaped. 

The war now exhibited scenes of the most unrelenting 
barbarity. Except in few instances, the rules of civilized 
warriors seemed hardly to be known, and the combatants 
seemed mutually determined on a war of extermination. 
Hostilities were carried anew into the Susquehanna coun- 
try. Colonel William Butler, at the head of a Pennsylva- 
nia regiment, with a band of riflemen, led an expedition to 
the Indian villages, Avhich lie destroyed, and, after enduring 
the greatest hardships, returned in safety in sixteen days. 
To avenge this incursion. Colonel .Tohn Butler, at the head 
of a strong party, surprised Colonel Alden, at Cherry Val- 
ley, who was killed, and the greatest cruelties were perpe- 
trated. Fifty or sixty men, women, and children, were 
killed or made captives, and even the dead were made 
monuments of savage barbarities. 

All further designs against the north seemed now to be 
abandoned. Clinton and Prescott, who commanded in East 
Florida, concerted a plan of operations against Georgia. 
Before this could be carried into effect, two parties entered 
Georgia from Florida, one by land, and the other by water. 
The latter advanced to Sunbury, and summoned the place 
to surrender ; but receiving a spirited reply from Colonel 
Mackmtosh, the attempt was abandoned. The other party 



OPERATIONS IN GEORGIA AND CAROLINA, — 1773. 467 

made for Savannah, but, being firmly opposed by General 
Screven and Colonel Elbert, nothing was effected, if we 
except the plundering of negroes and cattle, and the com- 
mission of the most wanton barbarities. Colonel Screven 
was killed in the defence. 

On the 27th of November, 1778, Colonel Campbell em- 
barked at Sandy Hook, at the head of one regiment, two 
battalions of regulars, and four of tories, with a detachment 
of artillery, — in all about twenty-five hundred men, — and 
arrived at the mouth of the Savannah, the latter part of 
December, and soon landed his troops. The American 
general, R. Howe, was posted in this place, at the head of 
about eight hundred militia and regulars, worn down by a 
fruitless expedition against Florida. He chose a judicious 
position to cover Savannah, but was out-generalled, sur- 
prised in camp, and routed, with a considerable loss of men 
and arms. The fort, with its contents, forty-eight pieces 
of cannon, twenty-three mortars, all the shipping, a large 
store of provisions, and the capital of (he state, fell into the 
hands of the victors. The defenceles's inhabitants were 
bayoneted in the streets, and the remnant of the troops 
escaped to South Carolina. About this time, Sunbury fell 
into the hands of General Prescott, who marched to Savan- 
nah, and took command of the royal army. The inhabi- 
tants were directed to lay down their arms, or use them in 
support of the royal cause. 

On the 25th of September, General Lincoln was appointed 
to the command of the southern army, but he did not arrive 
at Charleston until the 4th of December. He was joined 
by Generals Ashe and Rutherford, with about two thousand 
North Carolina militia, destined to act in defence of South 
Carolina. As Georgia was the point of attack, Lincoln 
raised something less than a thousand men, and joined the 
remains of the troops under Colonel Elbert, establishing 
his head quarters at Purysburgh. Here he found himself 
at the head of but fourteen hundred men, and even this 
small force destitute of arms, cannon, tents, and almost of 
powder and lead. The militia of South Carolina were 
without discipline or subordination, and, on the 24th of 



468 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



January, 1779, they had generally returned to their homes. 
About eleven hundred militia from North Carolina supplied 
their place, and the whole force was about twenty-four 
hundred. General Prescott had taken possession of Port 
Royal island, South Carolina; and General Moultrie, at the 
head of the Charleston militia, attacked the island, dis- 
lodged the enemy, and compelled the colonel to retire into 
Georgia, with much loss. He took post at Augusta, and, 
by fomenting divisions and encouraging insurrections, 
caused much distress. But a party from the district of 
Ninety-six, under Colonel Pickens, pursued the banditti, 
which they overtook, routed, killed, or dispersed, and their 
leader. Colonel Boyd, was slain. The remainder threw 
themselves on the clemency of the state. Seventy were 
tried, convicted, and sentenced to death ; but the sentence 
was executed on five of the principals only, and the remain- 
der were pardoned. 




Lincoln determined to dislodge the enemy from Georgia, 
and directed General Williamson to take a strong position 
near Augusta, to Avatch the motions of Colonel Campbell ; 



CAMPAIGN IN CAROLINA. 1779, 469 

and General Ashe was ordered to the support of Wiliiam- 
son, with about two thousand men. On receiving the 
intelhgence of this junction, the British retired about four- 
teen miles down the river. Measures were concerted by 
the American generals, and the plan of operations settled. 

On the 3d of March, Colonel Prevost g-ained the rear of 
the American camp by a circuitous march, and commenced 
a furious attack. The continentals advanced to the charge, 
to check the invaders ; but the militia were panic-struck, 
and flight ensued. The regulars, under General Elbert, 
were cut to pieces, and the militia, under General Ashe, 
never returned. The Americans lost one hundred and fifty 
killed, and one hundred and sixty-two captured ; the 
wounded not numbered. About four hundred and fifty 
rejoined General Lincoln. Georgia now belonged to the 
enemy, and a free communication was opened with the 
lories of South Carolina. 

In this state of alarm, John Rutledge was appointed gov- 
ernor of the state, and to him and the council was given a 
dictatorial power. A large body of militia was assembled 
at Orangeburg, near the centre of the state, to act as might 
be required. Williamson sent parties into Georgia to dis- 
tress and plunder the enemy. On this, Lincoln remarked 
to the governor, that the innocent and the guilty, the aged 
and infirm, women and children, would be equally exposed 
to the effects of this order. Lincoln was now reinforced at 
his camp, at Black Swamp, and advanced into Georgia, 
leaving a strong guard, under General Moultrie, at Purys- 
hurgh. Prescott permitted the Americans to advance one 
hundred and fifty miles, that he might surprise General 
Moultrie. Moultrie eluded the attack, by a change of posi- 
tion. Lincoln, learning the movements of Prescott, moved 
by forced marches in support of Moultrie, and to cover 
Charleston. The governor took alarm by the movements 
of Prescott, and destroyed the suburbs, that he might 
guard against the advance of the enemy. The neighbor- 
ing militia were called in to join his troops in defence of 
Charleston. 

On the 11th of March, Prescott crossed the ferry, and 
40 ■ ' 



470 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

appeared before Charleston; on which day the Count Pu- 
laski arrived, and entered into the defence of this city with 
spirit. The object of Prescott was to capture the town 
before Lincohi could arrive; and his operations were con- 
ducted with such vigor, that the civil authority sent out 
the following proposition: "South Carolina will remain 
in a state of neutrality till the close of the Avar, and then 
follow the fate of her neighbors, on condition the royal 
army withdraw." To which General Prescott replied: 
" The garrison are in arms, and they shall surrender pris- 
oners of war." But, before General Prescott could 
accomplish anything of importance, Lincoln arrived, and 
the enemy withdrew to Beaufort, and thence to Georgia. 
Plunder and devastation marked their steps. Slaves, to 
the number of three thousand, were taken, and sent for 
sale to the West Indies. 

An expedition was fitted out, by Sir Henry Clinton, 
under Sir George Collier and General Matthews, from 
New York, who took possession of Portsmouth, and the 
remains of Norfolk, in Virginia, in May, 1779. On the 
same day a detachment was sent to Suflblk, and destroyed 
provisions, naval stores, and vessels, leaving the town in 
ashes; and gentlemen's seats, as well as plantations, were 
burnt and ravaged. On the coast the same ravages were 
committed by the fleet. About one hundred and thirty 
vessels were destroyed or captured, with about three 
thousand hogsheads of tobacco. ' 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

American Revolution. — Tryon's marauding expedition to Connecticut — 
New Haven plundered — Barbarities of the British — Capture of Stony 
Point — Sullivan'' s expedition against the Indians — Exploits of Paul 
Jones — Failure of the expedition to the Penobscot — War in the south — 
Arrival of D'' Estaing' s feet — Siege of Savannah — Repulse of the 
French and Americans — Death of Pulaski — Gallant exploit of Colonel 
White — The British evacuate Rhode Island — Clinton invades South 
Carolina — Siege of Charleston — Surrender of the town — Defeat of 
Colonel Buford at the Waxhaivs — General Gates appointed to the 
command in the south — Partisan war of Marion and Sumter — 
Knyphausen s excursion to New Jersey — Arrival of a French feet and 
army, under De Tiernay and Rochambeau — Lord Cornwallis in South 
Carolina — Battle of Camden — Disasters of the Americans — Cornwallis 
threatens North Carolina — Colonel Ferguson's expedition to the 
jiorth — Defeat of the British at King's Mountain — Atrocities of 
the war — Imprisonment and escape of General Wadsworth. 

Eaely in 1779, Sir Henry Clinton had concerted measnres 
witii the torics and British under his command, to assume 
a general system of predatory war in America, and sub- 
mitted his plans to the British ministry, who expressed 
their approbation. This plan soon reached the American 
commission, at Paris, and was communicated to Governor 
Trumbull, of Connecticut, on the 6th of April, 1779. 
Clinton detached General Tryon, formerly governor of New 
York, with two thousand six hundred land forces, protected 
by a squadron under Sir George Collier, and supported by 
General Garth, to begin their depredations in Connecticut. 
On the 4th of July, the armament moved into the sound, 
and the commanders issued their proclamation to the 
citizens of Connecticut, offering pardon and protection to 
all such as would return to their allegiance, but threatening 
ruin and destruction to all who should reject this over- 



472 



AMERICAN RETV'OLUTION. 



ture. On the morning of the 6th, Tryon landed his division 
at East Haven; Garth landed at the same time at West 
Haven, and proceeded directly to New Haven, and gave 
up the town to promiscuous pillage. The militia collected 
so fast on the next day, that the enemy abandoned the 
town in haste, burnt several stores on Long wharf, and em- 
barked their troops. The infamous Tryon next proceeded 
to the plunder of East Haven, and then sailed for Fairfield. 
The town and vicinity were laid in ruius, aud the enemy 
embarked for Norwalk, which was next laid in ashes. He 
then returned to New York. In this incursion, four houses 
for public worship, near one hundred dwellings, eighty 
barns, about thirty stores, seventeen shops, four mills, and 
five vessels were burnt ; and, in addition to this destruc- 
tion of property, the greatest acts of brutality were perpe- 
trated. Women were insulted and abused, while their ap- 
parel was robbed, and desks, trunks, and closets Avere rifled. 
The strong post of Stony Point, on the Hudson, had been 
taken by the British, and garrisoned with a formidable 
force. General Wayne was despatched on an expedition 




Storming of Stony Point. 

against it. He commenced his march on the 15th July, 
at noon ; and, after having crossed the mountains, through 



EXPLOITS OF PAUL JONES. 1779. 473 

dangerous and difficult defiles, he approached the fort about 
eight of the same evening. Having reconnoitred the posi- 
tion of the enemy, the general put himself at the head of 
his brave troops, and, at twenty minutes past twelve pre- 
cisely, on the night of the 16th, entered the fort with 
screwed bayonets, amidst a most tremendous fire of musket 
and grape, and carried the fortress without firing a gun. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury entered the fort with his divis- 
ion, upon the opposite side, at the same time, and both 
parties met in the centre ; but the garrison was spared and 
made prisoners of .war, to the number of five hundred and 
forty-three. Wayne dismantled tlie fort, and brought off 
the cannon, stores, &c., agreeably to orders. Congress 
passed a vote of thanks to Washington, Wayne, and the 
officers and soldiers under their command, for the masterly 
exploit in the capture of Stony Point. 

The English, having persuaded the Six Nations of In- 
dians, the Oneidas excepted, to take up the hatchet against 
the United States, General Sullivan was sent with a de- 
tachment of from four to five thousand men to chastise 
them. He marched up the Susquehanna, and attacked 
them in their fortifications, which were well constructed. 
The resistance was obstinate, but they were compelled to 
yield, and took to flight. According to his instructions, 
their country was devastated, and one hundred and sixty 
thousand bushels of corn were consumed. 

In naval affairs, the Americans had met with much suc- 
cess by means of their small privateers, which greatly 
annoyed the commerce of the British, and benefitted the 
colonists by the capture of many valuable prizes, not only 
of merchant ships, but also of store-ships and transports, 
laden with arms, ammmiition and supplies for the British 
armies. The most famous among the American naval 
commanders was John Paul Jones, a native of Scotland, 
who had settled in Virginia previous to the breaking out of 
the revolution. He received the first appointment of 
lieutenant in the American navy, and was so successful 
in his early cruises with a small vessel, in 1776, that he 
was sent by congress to France the next year, where ho 
40^ 



fr^ 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



obtained a large vessel, and, in 1778, sailed for the coast of 
Scotland. Here he kept the country in a constant state of 




Paul Jones. 



alarm, captured Whitehaven, with two forts and twenty- 
pieces of cannon, and burnt the shipping in the harbor. 
He returned to Brest with two hundred prisoners. In 1779, 
he put to sea again, in tlie frigate Bon Homme Richard, 
and, on the 23d of September, fought his celebrated action 
with the British frigate Serapis, off Flamborough Head, on 
the coast of England. The Serapis was much superior in 
strength to the Richard. This was the most desperate 
battle ever fought. The ships were grappled together, and 
the guns met muzzle to muzzle. In this position they lay, 
strewing the decks with carnage and destruction, about 
two hours. Both ships were frequently on fire, but the 
Serapis not less than ten or twelve times. , 

The American frigate Alliance was near, and attempted 
to cooperate in the action, with some good effect, until the 
darkness of the evening rendered it impossible to distin- 
guish correctly, when she killed eleven men, and wounded 



EXPEDITION TO THE PENOBSCOT. 1779. 475 

several others, on board the Bon Homme Richard. At 
this critical moment the Serapis struck, and closed the 
sanguinary scene. The Bon Homme Richard, at the close 
of the action, was so much of a wreck as to have seven 
feet of water in her hold, which rendered it necessary to 
remove the crew on board the Serapis, and the wounded 
on board the Pallas. On the 24th, her pumps were closely 
plied ; but, on the 25th, she went down. Fortunately, no 
lives were lost. • The Pallas engaged and took the Countess 
of Scarborough, at the same time, and Commodore Jones 
sailed with his prizes for the coast of Holland, and anchor- 
ed otf the Texel. 

Durhig the course of this year, the district of Maine was 
the scene of some military operations. A detachment of 
British forces from Halifax had taken possession of Castine, 
on the Penobscot, in 1779, and strongly fortified that port. 
This gave an alarm to the people of Massachusetts, and 
the government at Boston projected a scheme to expel them 
from the place. A body of militia was drafted and placed 
under the command of General Lovell. A fleet of nearly 
twenty small men-of-war and privateers, besides twenty- 
four transports, were collected, and an embargo for forty 
days was laid by the legislature of Massachusetts on all 
the shipping in the state, to obtain a supply of seamen. 
The whole undertaking was prosecuted by the government 
of Massachusetts, without the cooperation of the continental 
forces. In consequence of this, much delay attended the 
preparations, and the British received intelligence of the 
design in season to take effective measures for their defence. 
When the armament was ready for sailing from Boston, it 
lay wind-bound in Nantasket Roads for some days, and 
Colonel M'Lean, who commanded the British post on the 
Penobscot, received intelligence of the departure of the 
fleet from Boston, four days before its arrival in the bay. 
The British were posted on a peninsula in Penobscot Bay, 
and had thrown up an intrenchment on the isthmus. The 
part toward the river was steep and difficult of access, and 
was also defended by frigates and batteries, the principal 
battery being situated about the centre of the peninsula. 



476 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

It is possible that even the raw militia which composed 
the land forces of the expedition might have succeeded in 
capturing the place, had the American commanders pos- 
sessed the requisite talent for the business. Unfortunately, 
Lovell, their general, and Saltonstall, the commodore, were 
deficient both in skill and resolution. The troops were 
landed on the 28th of July, and should have been led 
immediately to storm the British works. Lovell, on the 
contrary, sunmioned the garrison to surrender; which 
being refused, he spent two days in erecting a battery. 
The British improved this time, and what followed during 
an ineffectual cannonading, for finishing and strengthening 
their works, till they were out of apprehension of being 
stormed. The militia soon became tired of these tedious 
proceedings, and manifested much anxiety to return to their 
homes. Lovell, in consequence, wrote to the government 
of Massachusetts, who applied to General Gates, then com- 
manding at Providence, for a reinforcement of four hundred 
continental troops. This request was granted, and a regi- 
ment was ordered to the Penobscot. Lovell waited its 
arrival in order to storm the enemy's works. But it was 
already too late. Sir George Collier, who commanded the 
British fleet at Sandy Hook, had received information, by a 
Boston paper, of the expedition then on foot ; for no secrecy 
appears to have been observed, during the preparations, as 
to the design of the whole. He put to sea immediately, on 
the 3d of August, and before the reinforcement had pro- 
ceeded halfway, he appeared with his squadron in Penob- 
scot Bay. His unexpected arrival brought the Americans 
at once between two fires. They abandoned their batteries 
and reembarked. The fleet was drawn up in a crescent 
across the river, as if to offer the enemy battle, but in reality 
to check the advance of the British, by a show of resistance, 
until the transports could escape up the river and land the 
troops on the western shore. But the British commander 
was too conscious of his own strength to permit this strat- 
agem to succeed. As they approached, the Americans 
made all sail in retreat. The British pursued, and the 
American ships were all taken or destroyed. Tlie militia 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 1779. 477 

escaped on shore, but found themselves in an uncultivated 
wilderness, without provisions or guides. For many days 
they roamed through these gloomy and pathless deserts, 
losing several of their number, who perished in the woods, 
till, exhausted with famine and fatigue, they at length 
reached the settlements. Such was the disastrous issue of 
an enterprise which might have succeeded under the con- 
duct of skilful and energetic leaders. 

We shall now return to the operations in the southern 
states. Instead of pursuing General Prescott in his retreat 
to Georgia, General Lincoln devoted all his powers and 
strength to the defence of Charleston against any further 
attack. After learning the success of D'Estaing in the 
West Indies, Governor Ilutledge, General Lincoln, and the 
French consul, wrote to the count, inviting him to coop- 
erate with the Americans in the reduction of Savannah. 
The invitation was accepted, and, on the first of September, 
1779, he arrived off Charleston, Avith a fleet of twenty sail 
of the line, two of fifty guns, and eleven frigates. A British 
eighty-gun ship and three frigates were taken by surprise. 
On the arrival of the French, Lincoln marched with all his 
troops for Savannah. The fleet sailed to join him ; the 
French troops were landed in ten or twelve days, and 
D'Estaing summoned the town to surrender to the arms of 
the king of France. Lincoln remonstrated against this, 
as the Americans were acting in concert. The count 
persisted, and General Prescott demanded a cessation of 
hostilities for twenty-four hours, to deliberate, which was 
granted. During this time, seven or eight hundred British 
troops arrived from Beaufort, and Prescott determined to 
defend the town to the last extremity. The count saw his 
error, and consulted Lincoln, and they united their efforts 
to carry the town by a regular siege. 

On the 23d of September the allies broke ground, and 
commenced their operations. On the 4th of October, they 
opened their batteries, and began to play upon the town 
with nine mortars, and fifty-four pieces of cannon, which 
continued four or five days without intermission, but with- 
out any apparent effect. On the morning of the Stli, the 



478 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

enemy sallied out, and attempted to set fire to the abattis ; 
but the materials were green, the weather moist, and the 
attempt failed. General Prescott next requested that the 
women and children might be removed ; but this was 
refused, and the allies resolved to carry the town by storm. 
On the morning of the 9th, the assault commenced. The 
attack was well concerted, and bravely executed, by the 
allies ; yet the fire of the enemy was so destructive, that 
the troops gave way, after having planted the French and 
American standards upon the British redoubts. At this 
eventful moment the brave Count Pulaski fell, mortally 
wounded, at the head of his legion, when charging the 
enemy in their rear, in the full career of victory. The allies 
supported this desperate conflict fifty-five minutes, under 
a deadly fire from the enemy's batteries, and then made 
good their retreat, with the loss of six hundred and thirty- 
seven French, and two hundred and thirty-four continen- 
tals, killed and wounded. The defence of the place was 
well conducted by General Prescott, and he certainly 
deserved the applause of his king and country. In consid- 
eration of the bravery of Count Pulaski, congress resolved 
that a monument be erected to his memory. 

During the siege of Savannah, an event occurred honor- 
able to an enterprising individual, and which should not be 
forgotten. A captain of Colonel Delancey's battalion of 
refugee troops, with about one hundred royal regulars, 
were posted about twenty-five miles from Savannah. Colo- 
nel John White, of the Georgia line, was desirous of 
capturing this party. His whole force, however, consisted 
of only six volunicers, including his own servant. It was 
only by a well-concerted stratagem that he could hope for 
success. In the night, he kindled a number of fires in dif- 
ferent places, and exhibited the appearance of a large 
encampment. Having arranged his plan, he summoned the 
captain to surrender, threatening his party with entire 
destruction, by a superior force, in case of a refusal. 
Deceived by the appearances, he immediately signified his 
readiness to comply with the demand, and made no 
defence. Captain White had now the satisfaction to see 



SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 1780. 479 

the whole of the prisoners, amounting to one hundred and 
forty, divest themselves of their arms, and submit to him- 
self and six volunteers. The prisoners were safely con- 
ducted by the captors a distance of twenty-five miles, 
during the night, to the nearest American post. 

D'Estaing embarked his troops, and seven ships were 
ordered for the Chesapeake, one of which only arrived at 
the place of destination, the fleet having been dispersed by 
a storm. The remainder steered for the West Indies. 
Meantime, Sir Henry Clinton, expecting an attack on New 
York by the French fleet, ordered General Pigot to evacu- 
ate Rhode Island, which order was accomplished, and the 
troops repaired to head-quarters at New York. Near the 
close of December, as the coast was still clear, Sir Henry 
planned an expedition to South Carolina. He embarked 
seven thousand five hundred troops, under convoy of Ad- 
miral Arbuthnot, and about the last of January, 1780, he 
appeared off" Charleston. As one ordnance ship and sev- 
eral transports had been wrecked and lost on the passage, 
and several taken by the Americans, he was not prepared 
to effect a landing until February 11th, when he landed 
on the south side of John's Island, thirty miles from the 
city. But this expedition had been foreseen by congress, 
and preparations were made to meet it. Three continen- 
tal frigates were to sail for the port, and a trusty officer 
was despatched to the Havana, in order to obtain ships 
and troops for the defence, promising, as a return, two 
thousand men to cooperate with the Spaniards in the re- 
duction of St. Augustine. 

To the British force of seven or eight thousand men, 
General Lincoln could oppose but two thousand four hun- 
dred, near half of whom were militia ; yet with them he 
hoped to defend the city. The continental frigates arrived, 
and, landing their crews, guns, and equipments, prepared 
to act on the defensive. The British admiral entered the 
harbor with all the ships which could pass the bar. On 
the 10th of April, Charleston was summoned to surrender, 
which the commander refused. On the 12th, Clinton 
opened his batteries on the town, and his fire was promptly 



4S0 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

returned during eight successive days. On the 18th, a 
reinforcement arrived from Nc\v York, of three thousand 
men, and the besiegers approached within three hundred 
yards of the American Hues. A council of war was called 
by General Lincoln, at which it was made evident that a 
retreat would be attended with many distressing incon- 
veniences, if not altogether impracticable, and Lincoln 
determined to continue the defence. But, shortly after, he 
again summoned another council of war, and at the event- 
ful moment, the flag of the enemy was seen to wave on 
the walls of Fort Moultrie. Sullivan's Island fell into the 
hands of the enemy on the 6th of May. 




Sir He/try Clinton. 

Clinton pushed his approaches, and, on the 8th, he opened 
a correspondence with Lincoln ;. renewed his summons, 
offered terms, &c., and threatened to renew hostilities at 
eight o'clock the next day. The eventful hour arrived, 
and awful, solemn silence ensued ; neither party fired a 
gun ; all was anxious suspense for an hour, yet neither 
party moved a proposition. At nine, the besieged opened 



DEFEAT OF BUFORD. — 1780. 481 

a fire upon the enemy, who, in their turn, opened their 
batteries upon the town, which threatened to bury it in 
ruins. The town M'-as repeatedly on fire, and many houses 
were burnt ; at the same time the besiegers advanced their 
last parallel to the distance of twenty yards, and prepared 
for a general assault by sea and land. The critical mo- 
ment had now arrived. The people, by their leaders, called 
on General Lincoln to renew the conference, and make 
terms with the enemy. The lieutenant-governor and coun- 
cil enforced the request. The militia threw down their 
arms, and all was submission. Lincoln renewed the con- 
ference with the British commander, and accepted his 
terms. Sir Henry complied, and the next day the garrison, 
with all such as had borne arms, marched out, and became 
prisoners of war on the 12tli of May. The French consul, 
and the subjects of France and Spain, were, with their 
houses and effects, to be protected; but they themselves 
were to be considered prisoners of war. 

At this time. Colonel Buford was advancing through the 
upper country, with a party of three hundred Virginians, 
to the relief of Charleston. When the British Colonel 
Tarleton learnt the position of this party, he advanced 
with about seven hundred cavalry and mounted infantry, 
by a forced march of one hundred and five miles in fifty- 
four hours, and surprised them at the Waxhaws, and sum- 
moned the colonel to surrender. A parley ensued; and 
during the conference, Tarleton's men surrounded the 
party, and cut them to pieces, while begging for quarters. 
Thirty-seven only were made prisoners, and the remainder 
were either killed or wounded in the butchery. Lord Corn- 
wallis highly applauded the act, and recommended Colonel 
Tarleton specially to the favor of his sovereign. With this 
blow, the state of South Carolina was subdued, and a reg- 
ular British government was organized. 

General Gates, then in Virginia, was appointed to suc- 
ceed General Lincoln in the southern command. Georgia 
and South Carolina were now wholly subdued, and the 
enemy saw his way clear to advance into North Carolina. 
To counteract these movements of Tarleton and keep up 
41 



482 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



the spirits of the people, Generals Marion and Sumter, at 
the head of their flying parties, kept up a system of preda- 
tory warfare, that greatly harassed and annoyed the enemy. 
So sharp and desperate were their attacks, that, in one 
instance. General Sumter reduced the Prince of Wales' 
regiment, from tlie number of two hundred and seventy- 
eight, to nine. While the brave Sumter was thus harassing 
the enemy, and animating the zeal of the inhabitants, a 
considerable force was traversing the middle states south- 
ward, for the relief of the British troops. 

Washington with his army still lay before New York. On 
the Gth of June, 1780, the British generals, Knyphausen, 
Robertson, Tryon and Sterling, crossed from Statcn Island 
into New Jersey, at the head of five thousand regulars. 
On the 7th, they advanced to Connecticut Farms, distant 
about five miles, in quest of the Rev. James Caldwell, 
whose patriotic zeal had rendered him peculiarly obnox- 
ious ; wantonly shot his wife in her own house, then burnt 
the house and meeting-house, Avith about a dozen other 
dwelling-houses. The royal army next attempted to ad- 
vance to Springfield, but were checked by Colonel Dayton, 
supported by General Maxwell, and they fled in disorder. 
Washington considered this movement as a feint, to open 
the way for an attack upon West Point. lie accordingly 
detached General Greene, at the head of a strong party, to 
watch the motions of the enemy. Washington, learning 
from Greene that Springfield was their object of destina- 
tion, sent forward a detachment to support Greene. The 
enemy advanced upon Springfield at five in the morning 
of the 23d of June. Greene disputed every pass valiantly, 
but obstinate bravery was constrained to yield to superior 
numbers. Greene retired to the high grounds, and the 
enemy gained the town, which they destroyed. The com- 
mander-in-chief, sensible of the worth and talents of Gen- 
eral Greene, returned the thanks of himself and his suflcring 
country to him and the men under his command. But this 
skirmish did not pass oft' so lightly. The militia rallied in 
considerable force, and drove the enemy to Staten Island, 
in a precipitate retreat. 



ARRIVAL OF DE TERNAY AND ROCHAMBEAU. 1780. 483 

La Fayette, who had been to France on leave of absence, 
now returned to America. He had negotiated for supplies 
from the French government, and an armament was soon 
to follow him. On the lOth of July, a French fleet arrived 
at Newport, Rhode Island, consisting of two ships of eighty 
guns, one of seventy-four, four of sixty-four, two frigates 
of forty, a cutter of twenty, an hospital ship pierced for 
sixty-four, one bomb-ship, and thirty-two transports, under 
the command of the Chevalier dc Ternay. They brought 
regiments of land forces, together with the legion of De 
Luzerne, and a battalion of artillery ; in the whole, about 
six thousand, under the command of Lieutenant-Gencral 
Count de Rochambeau. 

General Heath received the count at his landing, and 
put him and his troops in possession of the island, where 
they were handsomely accommodated. The general assem- 
bly, then in session at Newport, by their special committee, 
presented the count with a complimentary address ; to which 
the count replied with assurances that a much greater force 
would soon follow him, and that his whole powers would 
be devoted to the service of the United States. "The 
French troops," added the count, " are under the strictest 
discipline, and, acting under the orders of General Wash- 
ington, will live with the Americans as brethren. I am 
highly sensible of the marks of respect shown me by the 
assembly, and beg. leave to assure them that, as brethren, 
not only my life, but the lives of the troops under my com- 
mand, are devoted to their service." La Fayette witnessed 
these respectful attentions to his countrymen, and, in honor 
to our French allies, Washmgton directed, in his general 
orders, that black and white cockades should be worn as 
a compliment. 

After the fall of Charleston, Clinton committed the care 
of the southern states to Lord Cornwallis, with four thou- 
sand men, and returned to New York. The arrival of the 
French fleet at Rhode Island, gave Admiral Arbuthnot 
considerable alarm. His whole force amounted to but four 
ships of the line. But he was joined by Admiral Graves, 
with six line-of-battle ships, and felt himself secure from 



484 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

attack ill New York. With this reinforcement Clinton 
concerted an attack on the French tlcet at Newport, and 
immediately embarked eight thousand troops. The fleet 
put into Hunthigton Bay, on Long Island. The country 
was alarmed, and the militia turned out in force. But 
Washington made a diversion, by moving his whole force 
down to Kingsbridge, and threatening New York. The 
plan succeeded, and the British returned to New York in 
haste. 

In the south, Lord Cornwallis, having settled the gov- 
ernment of South Carolina, prepared to subdue the rebel- 
lious spirit of the North Carolinians. General Gates, with 
a very small army, moved across Deep river, on the 27th 
of July, 1780, to watch the motions of the enemy. On the 
6th of August, he was joined by General Caswell, at the 
head of a fine body of Nortli Carolina militia, who were in 
good spirits, but under bad discipline ; and he encamped 
at the Cross Roads, on his way to Camden. On the 13th, 
he moved Ibrward his army to Clermont, where he was 
joined by Brigadier-General Stevens, with about seven 
hundred Virginia militia. An express also arrived, inform- 
ing him that Colonel Sumter would join him at Camden, 
with a detachment of South Carolina militia, and that an 
escort of clothing, ammunition and stores was on its way 
from Charleston to Camden, for the use of the garrison 
posted there. Gates immediately detached liieutenant- 
Colonel AVoodford, at the head of the Maryland line, con- 
sisting of one hundred infantry, a company of artillery, 
with two brass field-pieces, and about three hundred North 
Carolina militia, to join Sumter, reduce the forts, and inter- 
cept the convoy. Gates prepared to support Sumter with 
his whole force, of about four thousand. 

But Cornwallis had anticipated this movement, and 
entered Camden the day previous, designing to attack 
Gates in his camp at Clermont. Both generals put their 
armies in motion early in the evening of the 15th of August, 
and their advance parties met in the woods of Camden, 
about two o'clock in the morning of the 16th. A conflict 
ensued ; the Americans gave way in some disorder, but 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 1780. 485 

they soon recovered, and a skirmishing continued through 
the night. When morning appeared, both generals made 
their dispositions to contest the field. An action com- 
menced; the regular troops were firm, but the militia, being 
overpowered by the British bayonets, gave way, and dis- 
persed as they fied. The victory was complete, and the 
American general and his regulars were abandoned to their 
fate. Several parties of militia, who were advancing to 
join the army, turned their arms against the fugitives, and 
thus completed the overthrow. The pursuit continued for 
more than twenty miles, and the road was strewed with the 
fragments of this routed army, together with the wounded, 
the dead, and the dying. A party of horse, supported by 
two hundred infantry, at the distance of more than eighty 
miles from the scene of action, upon the first intelligence, 
abandoned their ground, and sought safety by flight. The 
brave Baron de Kalb fell in this action, much and deserv- 
edly lamented. He was at the head of the Maryland 
troops, and second in command. Congress ordered that a 
monument should be raised to his memory at Annapolis. 

The British, however, reaped no permanent advantage 
from their victory at Camden. Their losses and want of 
supplies, in a sickly season, hindered them from following 
up the stroke. At length, in September, Cornwallis took up 
his march from Camden, towards Charlottetown, in North 
Carolina. To hold South Carolina in check, and to preserve 
the way open to retreat thither, if necessary, he had not 
contented himself with leaving a strong garrison in Charles- 
ton. Several detachments were distributed upon different 
points of the frontier. Colonel Brown was posted at Au- 
gusta^ Cruger at Ninety-six, and Trumbull at Camden. 
Cornwallis then advanced with the main body of liis army 
towards Columbia, while Tarleton, with the greater part 
of the cavalry, passed the Wateree, and ascended along its 
eastern bank. The two corps were to re-unite at Char- 
lottetown, where they arrived about the last of September. 
Cornwallis, however, soon perceived that he had under- 
taken a far more arduous enterprise than it had seemed at 
first. The inhabitants were not only hostile, but most 
41* 



4SC AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

vigilant and audacious in attacking dotacliod parties, and 
cutting oil" the British supplies: hence the royalists coidd 
not sally into the open country, except in strong Ixxlies. 
The American colouel. Suiuter. always enterprising and 
prompt to seize any occasion for iulesting the British, 
seemed to be everywhere at once upon the frontiers of the 
two Carolinas. Another partisau corps, of similar charac- 
ter, had just been formed, muler the direction of Colonel 
Marion. At length. Cornwallis received the alarming intel- 
ligence, that Colonel Clarke had assembled a numerous 
btnly of mountaineers. Irom the upper parts of the Caroli- 
nas, a most hardy aud warlike race of men. The British 
thus found themselves surrounded by clouds of enemies, 
aud more in the situation of a besieged army, than in that 
of tnx^ps marching ujHm an otlensive expedition. 

Colonel Ferguson had been detached by Cornwallis to 
the frontiers of North Carolina, to encourage the tories to 
take up arms. A considerable number had repaired to his 
standard, but the greater part of them were the most prof- 
lig-ate and ferocious of men. Believing any enormity jus- 
tified by the sanction of their chiet". they perjxMrated the 
most atrocious and wanton cruelties. mass;\cring indis- 
criminately almost every person that tell in their way. and 
laying waste the country with lire. These horrid excesses 
intlamed the coldest hearts with the desire of vengeance. 
Tl»e mountaineers were transported with fury, and de- 
scended into the low country in torrents, arming themselves 
with whatever weapons came witliin their reach, and 
foaming with raiie at the name of Ferguson. With lotid 
cries they called upon tlieir chiefs to lead them upon the 
track of this bloody monster, that they might cause him to 
expiate the ravages and slaughter with which -he had 
marked his career. Each of them carried, besides his arms, 
a wallet and a blanket. They slept on the naked earth in 
the open air. The water o( the rivulet slaked their thirst, 
and they fed on the cattle which they drove along with 
them, or the game they hunted in the forest. Thus they 
ranged the country, under seven or eight ditlerent leaders, 
everywhere demandiuir Ferguson with loud exclamations. 



BATTLE OF KINO'fcJ MOUNTAIN. — 1780. 487 

and at every .step swearing to exterminate him from the 
face of the earth. At Icnglli their pursuing efforts hrought 
them in sight of their enemy. 

Ou the line which divides the two Carolinas, near the 
head waters of the Santee, is a woody heiglit with a circu- 
lar base, called King's Mountain, which commands a wide 
plain surroiMiding it. l'\'-rgiison was found posted upon 
this heiglit, waiting the approach of his enemies, whom he 
confidently expected to defeat and disperse, should they 
venture to attack him. The mountaineers were too thirsty 
for vengeance to practise any delay in the assault. They 
fell upon his troops at once, drove in the advanced guard, 
and then, forming in several columns, rushed forward to 
attack the main body on the summit of the moimtain. 
The attack and the defence were equally obstinate; the 
mountaineers, some from behind trees, and others under 
the cover of the rocks, maintained a brisk fire. At length 
a body of them arrived upon the brow of the eminence. 
The Jiritish re])ulsed them with the bayonet, but were the 
next moment atlncked by another Ijody which came upon 
another side. The bayonets were turned upon the new 
assailants, who receded in their liiiii, till the arrival of a 
third body gave the British a fresh occupation. In this 
manner, the battle was kept uj) for an hour, when the 
Americans summoned Ferguson to surrerjder. He obsti- 
nately refused, and the battle was renewed and continued 
till Ferguson was slain sword in hand. The summit of 
the mountain was now completely overrun by the Ameri- 
cans ; and his successor in the command, finding further 
resistance hopeless, advised his men to lay down their 
arms, which was done. The carnage had been dreadful; 
the killed and wounded amounting to five or six hundred 
on the part of the liritish. Two lumdred escaped during 
the action. Eleven himdred prisoners and fifteen hundred 
stand of arms were taken. The loss of the Americans was 
trifling, with the exception of that of Colonel Williams, one 
of their leaders. The British prisoners were well treated, 
but the utmost .severity was displayed toward the loyalists, 
several of whom were hung on the field of battle, as a repri- 



488 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

sal for the execution of a number of the patriots who had 
been put to death in a similar manner by the loyalists at 
Camden, Ninety-six and Augusta. 

The effects of this victory were most important. The 
loss of the whole of Ferguson's corps was a severe blow to 
the British. The loyalists no longer manifested the same 
zeal to join the army of Cornwallis, and he found his forces 
diminishing. He was, in consequence, compelled to relin- 
quish for a time the invasion of North Carolina, where the 
American cause was decidedly in the ascendant. He 
therefore resolved to maintain himself in South Carolina 
till he could receive reinforcements. In November, Gen- 
eral Sumter defeated the British in two actions at Broad 
river and Blackstock ; and with these successes the 
Americans closed the year 17S0 in the Carolinas. 

Anecdotes of individual adventure and suffering often 
display, in a much more lively and impressive manner, the 
nature of hostile transactions, than general narratives of 
greater events. Among numerous others, we may select 
the capture of General Wadsworth, who commanded a 
body of Massachusetts state troops at Camden, in Maine, in 
1780. The time for which the men had enlisted having 
expired, Wadsworth dismissed them to their homes, reserv- 
in2: only six as a ?uard. A ncis^hboring inhabitant com- 
municated the knowledge of this to the officer who com- 
manded the British forces at Penobscot, and a body of 
twenty-five soldiers was secretly despatched to make 
Wadsworth prisoner. They landed within four miles of 
the general's quarters, concealed themselves in the house 
of a Metliodist preacher. — a professed friend to him. but in 
reality a traitor, — and late at night suddenly attacked his 
house. The sentinel gave the alarm," and a soldier running 
out, the assailants got possession of the door, and entered 
the house. They soon overpowered the guard and became 
masters of all the premises, except the room in which the 
general Avith his wife and another lady had barricaded 
themselves. He had a pair of pistols, a blunderbuss 
and a musket, which he employed with great dexterity, 
being determined to defend his life to the last moment, 



ADVENTURES OF GENERAL WADSWORTH.— 177Q. 489 

With the pistols and musket, which he discharged several 
times, he dcfcudcd the window and door of tlie room, and 
drove away the enemy who were attempting to enter 
He next resorted to his hayonet, with which he kept them 
at bay till he received a ball through his left arm, when he 
was forced to surrender. The house exhibited striking 
evidences of the severity of the conllict. Not a window 
had escaped destruction; the doors were all broken down; 
two of the rooms were set on lire, the lloors covered with 
blood, and on one of them lay a brave old soldier, danger- 
ously wounded, and begging for death that he might be 
released from misery. The anxiety of the general's wife 
was inexpressible, and his own was greatly increased by 
the uncertainty of the fate of his little son, only five years 
old, who had been exposed to all the danger from the firing 
into the house ; he, however, escaped unhurt. 

Wadsworth was at lirst exposed to great insult and 
abuse from his captors, who were enraged against him for 
his success in baflling their designs. He was marched 
otf to the British quarters, where he received more civil 
treatment, but was kept in close confinement. He 
requested to be exchanged or sent home on parole, but tliis 
was refused, and sliortly after he learned that, on the return 
of a priviitcer then on a cruise, he was to bo sent to 
England. Major Burton, anotlier American prisoner, was 
confined in company with Wadsworth, and they resolved 
to attempt their escape. They were confined in a grated 
room in tlie officers' barracks within the fort. The walls 
of the fortress, exclusive of the depth of the ditch, were 
twenty feet high, and guarded with paling andchevauxde 
frise. Two sentinels kept watch over tlie prisoners, and 
all the issues of the fort were beset by guards. An escape 
seemed impossible. 

By great industry, seconded by the utmost caution, they 
succeeded in cutting through the wooden partition of their 
room, artfully concealing their work at the end of every 
day's labor. At the end of three weeks, the work was so 
far completed that an opening might be made whenever a 
favorable moment for escape oflered. On the evening of 



490 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the ISth of June, a heavy storm of rain, with thunder and 
liglitning. alforded tliem this opportunity. Under cover of 
the darkness of the night and the noise of the rain and 
thunder, they succeeded in breaking out of the room, 
traversed the passages of the building, and reached the 
wall of the fort. Here they were obliged to creep along 
among the sentry-boxes at the moment when the relief 
was shifting sentinel. Having gained a favorable spot on 
the top of the wall, they let themselves down by the rope 
which they had made by cutting their blankets into strips. 
They landed in safety, and groped their way in the thick 
darkness among the rocks, stumjis, and bushes, till they 
reached the cove, which was a mile in breadth. By great 
srood fortune the tide was out, leaving the water onlv three 
feet deep. Wadsworth, who had lost his companion in tiie 
dark, crossed the water in salety. and, proceeding through 
the woods till about seven miles tjom the fort, had the good 
fortune to rejoin him. It was now necessary to cross the 
Penobscot river, Mhich could not be forded, and. very 
fortunately, they found a canoe, with oars, on the bank, in 
which they immediately embarked, "\^'hile on the river, 
they discovered a British barge, which had been sent from 
the fort in pursuit of them: but, by liard rowing, and taking 
advantage of their knowledge of the windings of the 
stream, they escaped the pursuit, and reached the western 
shore in safety. After wandering in the wilderness for 
several days and nights, exposed to extreme fatigue, and 
with no other sustenance than a little dry bread and meat, 
which they carried in their pockets, they reached the 
settlements on the river St. George, where they were safe 
from the pursuit of their enemies. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

American Revolution. — -Treason of Arnold — Capture and execution of 
Andre — Adventures of Scrgeant-Major Champe — Arnold's invasion of 
Virginia — His marauding cx])edition to Connecticut — Capture of Neia 
London — Catastrophe of Fort Griswold — Revolt of the Pennsylvania 
line — Foreign relations of the United States — Affairs in Florida and 
Louisiana — Capture of Mr. Laurens — Mission of John Adams to 
Holland. 

During the year 1780, an occurrence took place without 
a parallel in American history, and which was near lead- 
ing the affairs of the colonists to the brink of ruin. This 
was the treason of General Arnold, who deserted the 
American cause, sold himself to the enemies of his country, 
and engaged in the British service. He was a man with- 
out principle from the beginning; and, before his treachery 
was discovered, he had sunk a character, raised by impet- 
uous valor attended with success, without being the pos- 
sessor of any other intrinsic merit. He had accumulated 
a fortune by peculation, and squandered it discreditably, 
long before he formed the plan to betray his country. 
Montreal he had plundered in haste; but in Philadelphia 
he went to work deliberately to seize everything he could 
lay hands on, which had been the property of the disaf- 
fected party, and converted it to his own use. He entered 
into contracts for speculating and privateering, and at the 
same time made exorbitant demands on congress for com- 
pensation for his services. In his speculations he was 
disappointed by the common failure of such adventures ; 
in the other attempt he was rebuffed and mortified by the 
commissioners appointed to examine his accounts, who 
curtailed a great part of his demands as unjust, and for 
which he deserved severe reprehension. Involved in debt 



492 



AMERICAN REVOLTTTfON. 



by his extravagance, and reproached by his creditors, his 
resentment wrought him up to a determination of revenge 
for this pnbhc ignominy. 

The command of the important post at West Point, 
on the Hudson, had been given to Arnold. No one sus- 
pected, notwithstanding the censures that had fallen upon 
him, that he had a heart base enough treacherously to 
betray his military trust. Who made the first advances 
to negotiation, is uncertain ; but it appeared, on a scrutiny, 
that Arnold had proposed overtures to Clinton, character- 
istic of his own baseness, and not very honorable to the 
British commander, if viewed apart from the usages of 
war, which too frequently sanction the blackest crimes. 
His treacherous proposals were listened to, and Clinton 
authorized Major Andre, his adjutant-general, a young 
oflicer of great integrity and worth, to hold a personal and 
secret conference with the traitor. Andre and Arnold had 




Old Fort Futmtm, West Point. 



kept up a friendly correspondence on some trivial matters, 
previous to their personal interview. Washington having 
been called by urgent business to Hartford, the conspii-a- 
tors considered this a good occasion for the accomplish- 
ment of their design. A meeting was agreed upon between 



TREACHERY OF ARNOLD. 1780. 



493 



Arnold and Andre. To effect this purpose, the British 
sloop of war Vulture moved up the Hudson to a conve- 
nient spot not far from West Point, and, on the 21st of Sep- 
tember, Andre landed from her and passed the night on 
shore in secret conference with Arnold. The dawn com- 
ing on before they had concluded their deliberations, Andre 
was concealed in the house of an American, named Smith, 
who was secretly a tory. The following night he attempt- 
ed to return to the Vulture, but the boatmen refused to 
take him on board, as she had shifted her position in con- 
sequence of the shot fired at her from the shore. It became 
necessary for him to take a land journey to New York. 
He disguised himself in Smith's clothes, having previously 
worn his regimentals, and, with a horse and passport, 
under the name of John Anderson, furnished him by 
Arnold, set out on his way down the river. He passed 
several guards and posts of the Americans, and already 
imagined himself out of danger, when accident, combined 
with his own want of caution, threw him unexpectedly 
into their hands. 




Capture of Andre. 



Three of the American militia, named John Paulding, 
42 



494 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

David Williams and Isaac Van Wert, chanced to be recon- 
noitring the country in the neighborhood of Tar^yto^vn, 
a village not far from the British posts, when Andre was 
passing through that place. One of them presented his 
musket and commanded him to stand. Andre, instead of 
producing his passport, most inconsiderately declared him- 
self a British ofhcer, and requested not to be detained, as 
he had important business. They ordered him to dismount; 
on which he exhibited Arnold's passport; but the militia 
men, being suspicious that something was wrong, took him 
aside among the bushes and proceeded to search him. 
They found papers concealed in his boots, and at once pro- 
nounced him a spy. Andre now discovered, for the first 
time, that he was in the hands of his enemies. He offered 
the men his gold watch, horse, and one hundred guineas, 
to be released. They replied that ten thousand guineas 
would not bribe them ; and immediately carried him off 
to Colonel Jameson, who commanded the advance post. 

On examining Andre's papers, they were found to con- 
tain, in the hand-writing of Arnold, the most exact accounts 
relative to the American forces, their numbers, equipments 
and magazines, the garrison of West Point, the various 
military positions, and the best modes of attacking them. 
Jameson was so dull a man that these overwhelming 
proofs never caused him to suspect Arnold's treachery. 
He sent the papers to General Washington, and at the same 
time despatched an express to Arnold, acquainting him that 
Anderson was taken, with his papers. Instead of keeping 
Andre in close custody, he sent him also to Arnold ; and 
these two conspirators would have made their escape to- 
gether, but for the presence of mind of Major Tallmadge, 
the second in command imder Jameson, who, suspecting 
the treason of Arnold, prevailed upon his colonel to bring 
back the prisoner, before he had reached West Point. 
Arnold, the moment he received the letter announcing the 
capture oi Ande?-son, sprang up from the table at which he 
was seated at breakfast, ran down to the shore, and, throw- 
ing himself into a boat, rowed on board the Vulture. Thus 
the author of this base scheme of treachery escaped, and 



TUEACHERY OF ARNOLD. 1780. 495 

left the unfortunate instrument of his treason to expiate 
the crime Avith his hfe. 

As soon as Andre found no hopes of escape remained 
for himself, he made a virtue of necessity, and announced 
himself as the adjutant-general of the British army. The 
whole plot was thus apparent. The public was struck with 
amazement. Nobody had ever suspected Arnold capable 
of such a deed of monstrous villany. The officers of the 
American army were in doubt whom they should trust, and 
Washington was filled with anxiety lest the plot should 
have extensive ramifications. After much investigation, 
however, it was satisfactorily ascertained that Arnold had 
no accomplices, and a sentiment of pious gratitude was 
felt throughout the country, at the happy providence 
which had saved the nation in this perilous conjuncture. 

The traitor Arnold, immediately on his arrival on board 
the Vulture, had the effrontery to write a letter to Wash- 
ington, declaring that he abandoned the cause of the rev- 
olution out of pure patriotism ! and declaiming against the 
ingratitude of the country, which had not rewarded him 
according to his deserts, — as if the American people had 
mountains of gold to heap upon him. He requested that 
his wife might be sent to him ; and, in a second letter, no 
less insolent, demanded the release of Andre. Mrs. Arnold 
was allowed to join her husband, but Andre was retained 
and put upon his. trial before a court-martial, as a spy. 
Andre, disdaining all subterfuge and evasion, and studying 
only to place his character in a fair light, voluntarily con- 
fessed many facts which he might have kept secret. He 
made no attempt to palliate anything relating to himself, 
while he concealed with scrupulous nicety whatever might 
endanger the safety of others. The court were extremely 
struck with his candor and magnanimity, and showed how 
much they felt for his perilous situation. But, after a full 
examination of the circumstances, they declared, unani- 
mously, that Major Andre, having been taken in disguise, 
within the American lines, ought to be considered a spy 
from the enemy, and, conformably to the laws of war and 
the usage of nations, he ought to suffer death. Sir Henry 



496 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



Clinton made the most miwearied efforts to procure the 
release of Andre, but his arguments were entirely without 
weight, and his appeals to the humanity of Washington 
were judged to proceed with a very ill grace from the man 
under whose authority were perpetrated the horrors of the 
Jersey prison-ship. 




Major Andre. 

Andre was hanged as a spy, at Tappaan, on the banks 
of the Hudson, on the 2d of October, 1780. The fortitude, 
equanimity and gentle deportment which he exhibited on 
the occasion, touched the hearts of the spectators. "Bear 
witness," said he, "that I die like a brave man." Thus 
perished, in the prime of life, an accomplished and amiable 
man, who was esteemed and beloved wherever he was 
known. The stern rules of military discipline, and the 
safety of the country, allowed no mitigation of his hard 
fate, which called forth the sympathies both of his friends 
and enemies. They thought only of his ^routh, accom- 
plishments and amiable character, and were willing to 
overlook that he was rash and presumptuous, and had 
engaged in a desperate design wliicli he had not the skill 
to accomplish. 



ADVENTURE OF CHAMPE. 17S0. 497 

After the capture and conviction of Andre, Washington 
conceived the project of capturing Arnold, then in New 
York, and releasing Andre. He sent for Major Lee to his 
quarters, to consult with him on the subject, and procure 
a man for the dangerous enterprise, "I have sent for 
you," said Wasliington, "in the expectation that you have 
some one in your corps who is willing to undertake a deli- 
cate and hazardous project. Whoever conies forward will 
confer great obligations upon me personally, and, in behalf 
of the United States, I will reward him amply. No time 
is to be lost ; he must proceed, if possible, to-night. I in- 
tend to seize Arnold, and save Andre." Major Lee named 
a sergeant-major of his corps, by the name of Champe, — a 
native of Virginia, — a man full of bone and muscle, with a 
countenance grave, thoughtful, and taciturn, — of tried cour- 
age, and inflexible perseverance. Champe was sent for by 
Lee, and the plan proposed. This was, for him to desert — 
- to escape to New York — to appear friendly to the enemy — 
to watch Arnold, and, upon some fit opportunity, with the 
assistance of some one whom Champe could trust, to seize 
him, and conduct him to a place on the river, appointed, 
where boats should be in readiness to bear them away. 

Champe listened to the plan attentively ; but, with the 
spirit of a man of honor and integrity, replied — " that it 
was not danger nor difficulty that deterred him from 
immediately accepting the proposal, but the ignominy of 
desertion^ and the fiypocrisy of enlisting with the enemy V 
To these objections Lee replied, that, although he would 
appear to desert, yet, as he obeyed the call of his com- 
mander-in-chief, his departure could not be considered as 
criminal, and that, if he suffered in reputation for a time, 
the matter would one day be explained to his credit. As 
to the second objection, it was urged, that to bring such a 
man as Arnold to justice, — loaded with guilt as he was, — 
and to save Andre, — so young, so accomplished, so be- 
loved, — to achieve so much good in the cause of his coun- 
try, was more than sufficient to balance a wrong, existing 
only in appearance. 

The objections of Champe were at length surmounted, 
42^ 



498 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

and he accepted the service. It was now eleven o'clock at 
niglit. With his instructions in his pocket, the sergeant 
returned to cainp, and, taking his cloak, valise, and order- 
ly-book, drew his horse from the picket, and mounted, 
putting himself upon fortune. Scarcely had half an hour 
elapsed, before Captain Carnes, the officer of the day, 
waited upon Lee, who was vainly attempting to rest, and 
informed him that one of the patrol had fallen in with a 
dragoon, who, being challenged, put spurs to his horse and 
escaped. Lee, hoping to conceal the llight of Champe, or 
at least to delay pursuit, complained of fatigue, and told 
the captain that the patrol had probablj^ mistaken a coun- 
tryman for a dragoon. Carnes, however, was not thus to 
be quieted ; and he withdrew to assemble his corps. On 
examination, it was found that Champe was absent. The 
captain now returned, and acquainted Lee with the dis- 
covery, adding, that he had detached a party to pursue the 
deserter, and begged the major's Avrittcn orders. After' 
making as much delay as practicable without exciting 
suspicion, Lee delivered his orders — in which he directed 
the party to take Champe if possible. " Bring him alive," 
said he, " that he may suffer in the presence of the army ; 
but kill him if he resists, or if he escapes after being 
taken." 

A shower of rain fell soon after Champe's departure, 
which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of 
his horse. — his shoes, in common with those of the horses of 
the army, being made in a peculiar form, and each having 
a private mark, which was to be seen in the path. Mid- 
dleton, the leader of the pursuing party, left the camp a 
few minutes past twelve, so that Champe had the start of 
but little more than an hour — a period by far shorter than 
had been contemplated. During the night, the dragoons 
were often delayed in the necessary halts to examine the 
road ; but, on the coming of morning, the impression of the 
horse's shoes was so apparent, that they pressed on with 
rapidity. Some miles above Bergen, — a village three miles 
north of New York, on the opposite side of the Hudson, — 
on ascending a hill, Champe was descried, not more than 



ADVENTURE OF CUAMPE. 1780. 



499 



h.aif a mile distant. Fortunately, Clianipc descried his 
pursuers at the same moment, and, conjecturing their 
object, put spurs to his horse, with the hope of escape. By 
taking a dillercnt road, Champe was, for a time, lost sight 
of — but, on approaching the river, he was again descried. 
Aware of his danger, he now lashed his valise, containing 
his clothes and orderly-book, to his shoulders, and prepared 
himself to plunge into the river, if necessary. 8wift was 
his flight, and swift the pursuit. Middleton and his party 
were within a few hundred yards, when Champe threw 
himself from his horse and plunged into the river, calling 




Adventure of Sergeant- Major Champe. 

aloud upon some British galleys, at no great distance, for 
help. A boat was instantly despatched to the sergeant's 
assistance, and a lire commenced upon the pursuers. 
Champe was taken on board, and soon after carried to 
New York, with a letter from the captain of the galley, 
stating the past scene, all of which he had witnessed. The 
pursuers, having recovered the sergeant's horse and cloak, 
returned to camp, where they arrived about three o'clock 
the next day. On their appearance with the well-known 
horse, the soldiers made the air resound with the acclama- 
tions that the scoundrel was killed. The agony of Lee, 



500 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

for a moment, was past description, lest the faithful and 
intrepid Champe had fallen. But the truth soon relieved 
his fears, and he repaired to Washington to impart to him 
the success, thus far, of his plan. 

Soon after the arrival of Champe in New York, he was 
sent to Sir Henry Clinton, who treated him kindly, hut 
detained him more than an hour in asking him questions, 
to answer some of which, without exciting suspicion, re- 
quired all the art the sergeant was master of He suc- 
ceeded, however, and Sir Henry gave him a couple of 
guineas, and recommended him to Arnold, who was wish- 
ing to procure American recruits. Arnold received him 
kindly, and proposed to him to join his legion. Champe, 
however, expressed his wish to retire from war ; but as- 
sured the general, that, if he should change his mind, he 
would enlist. Champe found means to communicate to 
Lee an account of his adventures ; but, unfortunately, he 
could not succeed in taking Arnold, as was wished, before 
the execution of Andre. Ten days before Champe brought 
his project to a conclusion, Lee received from him his final 
communication, appointing the third subsequent night for 
a party of dragoons to meet him at Hoboken, opposite New 
York,- when he hoped to deliver Arnold to the officers. 
Champe had enlisted into Arnold's legion, from which time 
he had every opportunity he could wish to attend to the 
habits of the general. He discovered that it was his cus- 
tom to return home about twelve every night, and that, 
previously to going to bed, he always visited the garden. 
During this visit, the conspirators were to seize him, and, 
being prepared with a gag, they were to apply the same 
instantly. 

Adjoining the house in which Arnold resided, and in 
which it was designed to seize and gag him, Champe had 
taken off several of the palings and replaced them, so that 
with ease, and without' noise, he could readily open his way 
to the adjoining alley. Into this alley he intended to con- 
vey his prisoner, aided by his companion, one of two asso- 
ciates who had been introduced by the friend to whom 
Champe had been originally made known by letter from 



ADVENTURE OF CHAMPE. — 1730. 501 

the commander-in-chief, and with whose aid and counsel 
he had so far conducted the enterprise. His other associate 
was with the boat, prepared, at one of the wharves on the 
Hudson river, to receive the party. Champe and his friend 
intended to place themselves each under Arnold's shoulder, 
and thus to bear him through the most unfrequented alleys 
and streets to the boat, representing Arnold, in case of 
being questioned, as a drunken soldier, v/hom they were 
conveying to the guard-house. When arrived at the boat, 
the dilficultics would be all surmounted, there being no 
danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey shore. These 
particulars, as soon as made known to Lee, were commu- 
nicated to the commander-in-chief, who was highly grati- 
fied with the much-desired intelligence. He desired Major 
Lee to meet Champe, and to take care that Arnold should 
not be hurt. 

The day arrived, and Lee, with a party of accoutred 
horses, (one for Arnold, one for the sergeant, and the third 
for his associate, who was to assist in securing Arnold,) 
left the camp, never doubting the success of the enterprise, 
from the tenor of the last received communication. The 
party reached Hoboken about midnight, where they were 
concealed in the adjoining wood— Lee, with three dragoons, 
stationing himself near the shore of the river. Hour after 
hour passed, but no boat approached. At length the day 
broke, and the major retired to his party, and, with his led 
horses, returned to the camp, when he proceeded to head- 
quarters to inform the general of the much-lamented dis- 
appointment, as mortifying as inexplicable. Washington, 
having perused Champe's plan and communication, had 
indulged the presumption, that, at length, the object of his 
keen and constant pursuit was sure of execution, and did 
not dissemble the joy which such a conviction produced. 
He was chagrined at the issue, and apprehended that his 
faithful sergeant must have been detected in the last scene 
of his tedious and difficult enterprise. 

In a few days, Lee received an anonymous letter from 
Champe's patron and friend, informing him, that, on the 
day preceding the night fixed for the execution of the plot, 



502 AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 

Arnold had removed his quarters to another part of the 
town, to suiu'riiiteiid tlic emharkation of troops, preparing, 
as vas rumored, for an expedition to be directed by liim- 
se'i; and that lh(^ American lei^ion, consisting chietly of 
American deserters, liad been transferred from their l)ar- 
racks to one of the transports, it being n]ii)reh(Mi(led that if 
Ici't on shore until the expecUtion was r(M(ly many of them 
might desert. Thus it hajipened that John ''Iiampe, in- 
stead of crossing the Hudson (hat niglit, was safely d(>pos- 
itcd on board one of tlie llect of transports, from whence he 
never de])arted until the troojis under Arnold landed in 
Virginia. Nor was he able toes(';>j)e from the nrilish army, 
imtil after the junction of Lord Cornwallis at PelcMshurg, 
when he deserted, and, proceeding high nj) into Virginia, he 
passed into North (Carolina, near the t^aura towns, and, 
keeping in the friendly districts of that state, safely joined 
the Americans soon after they passed the Congaree, in pur- 
suit of Lord Kawdon. His appearance excited (^xtremc 
surprivse among his Ibrmer connades, which was not a little 
increased when they saw the cordial reception he met with 
from the late major, now Lientenant-Oolonel Lee. His 
whole story was soon known to the corps, wliich repro- 
duced the love and respect of olilcers and soldiers, hereto- 
fore invariably entertained lor the sergeant, heightened by 
universal admiration of his late daring and arduous attempt. 

(^hamj)e w;\s introdnccMl to (Jeneral (irt^ene, Avho very 
cheerfully complied with tlu> jiromise made by the com- 
mander-in-chief, so far as in his power; and, having 
provided the sergeant with a good horse and money (or his 
journey, sent him tofJeneral Washington, who muni(ic(mtly 
anticipat(Hl every desire of the serg(\uit, and i)resented him 
with a discharge from fnrdn'r service, les( he might, in (he 
vicissitudes of war, fall in(o (he hands of the enemy, when, 
if recognised, he was sure to die on a gibbet. 

In October, 1780, Clinton detached Arnold on a maraud- 
ing expedition, into Virginia, with about one thousand six 
hundrtul men, and a nund)er of armed vessels. He laid 
Avas(e (he conn(ry upon .Fames river, in several preda(ory 
cxciu'sions, until his progress was arrested by (he appear- 



MASSACRE AT FORT OUISWOLD. 1780. 603 

ancc of the Plrcnch squadron from Newport. This fleet 
put an end to the ravages of Arnold, l)y ca})turing and 
destroying a very considerable part of liis fleet; and would 
have caused the destruction of the traitor, had not a JJritish 
fleet appeared from New York, for the relief of Arnold, and, 
by a naval cngagc^meiit ofl' the capes of Virginia with th<'. 
Fniuch fle(!t, aflbrded him an opporliuiity to escape to JNcw 
York. The French riiturned to Newport. 

»Soon after Arnold's return from Virginia, he was de- 
spatched on a new excursion to (yonneclicut, liis native 
stat(^ His force consisted of two thousand infantry and 
three; hun(h-ed cavalry, accomj)anied hy forty ships and 
transports. Ih; landcMl liis troo[)s at the moiilli of New 
IjOiidon harbor, and j)roceed(!(l Ir) ihc; town. J^'ort Trum- 
bull was in a condition to make but liltle resistance;, but 
l-'ort (iriswold, on the other side of the river, was ])ravely 
defendcid by Colonel Ledyard and a few militia, hastily 
collected. 'J^he assault on the fort was made ljy Colonel 
Fjyre, who was three times repulsed, and, receiving a mortal 
wound, the command devolved on Major Mromdeld, who, 
with a sui)erior ibree, carricul l\\v. place at the point of iIhj 
bayonet. On entering the fort, the Ihilisii ofliccr iiKjuired 
who commanded. Colonel Ledyard answered, "I did, 
sir, but you do now," :iiid pr(!sented his sword as a 
jjrisoner. 'J'he Ihitish ofliccr took it, and plungef] it into 
the l)f)dy of (Joloucil Ii(;(iyard. An indiscriminate slaughter 
immediately ensued, and sevenly-three men were Ic^Ctdead 
in the fort, about forty woim(h;d, and the same number 
taken prisoners. Arnold continuful on the; j\ew JiOndon 
side, suifered the town to be ]>luii<lered, and destroyed l)y 
fire sixty dwelling-houses and eighty-four stores, besides 
the shipj)ing, naval stores, and a large amount of goods 
and provisions. Tin; militia collected with gr<!at spirit and 
promptness to avenge the murdcu" of their friends. The 
enemy became alarmed, and made a hasty retreat, after a 
loss of two officers and forty-six soldiers killed, and eight 
officers and tfiirty-five men wounded. 

The vest worn by Colonel licdyard at the time he was 
massacred, has been deposited with the Connecticut His- 



504 AMERICAN REYOLUTIOrr. 

torical Society, at Hartford. The sword entered in front, 
near the heart, and passed entirely through his body. The 
two gashes, one in front, the other in the back of the vest, 
remain the same as when on the mifortnnate victim. 

The most dangerous symptoms were exhibited in the con- 
duct of a part of the army, towards the end of the year 1780. 
The revolt of the whole Pennsylvania line spread a tempo- 
rary dismay throughout the country. On the 1st of January, 
1781. upwards of a thousand men, belonging to that portion 
of the army, marched in a body from the camp in the Jer- 
seys. Others, equally disaffected, soon followed them. 
They took post on an advantageous ground, chose for their 
leader a sergeant-major, a British deserter, and saluted 
him as their major-general. On the third day of their re- 
volt, a message was sent from the officers of the American 
camp ; this they refused to receive ; but to a flag Avhich 
followed, requesting to know their complaints and inten- 
tions, they replied, that "they had served three years; 
that they had engaged to serve no longer; nor would they 
return or disperse until their grievances were redressed and 
their arrearages paid." 

General Wayne, who commanded the line, had been 
greatly beloved and respected by the soldiers, nor did he 
at first doubt but that his inllucnce would soon bring them 
back to their duty. He did everything in the power of a 
spirited and judicious officer to quiet their clamors, in the 
beginning of the insurrection ; but many of them pointed 
their bayonets at his breast; told him to be on his guard; 
that they were determined to march to congress to obtain 
a redress of grievances ; that though they respected him as 
an officer, and loved his person, yet, if he attempted to fire 
on them, "he was a dead man." Sir Henry Clinton soon 
gained intelligence of the confusion and danger into which 
the Americans were plunged. He improved the advanta- 
geous moment, and made the revolters every tempting 
offer. But the intrigues of the British officers, and the 
measures of their commander-in-chief, had not the smallest 
influence; the revolted troops, though dissatisfied, appear- 
ed to have no inclination to join the British army. They 



REVOLT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA LINE. — 1781. 



505 




General Wayne. 



declared, with one voice, that if there was an immediate 
necessity to call out the American forces, they would still 
fight under the orders of congress. Several British spies 
were detected, busily employed in endeavoring to increase 
the ferment, who were tried and executed with little cere- 
mony. 

The prudent conduct of the commander-in-chief, and the 
disposition which appeared in government to do justice to 
tlieir demands, subdued the mutiny. A committee was 
sent from congress to hear their complaints, and, as far as 
possible, to relieve their sufferings. Those whose term of 
enlistment had expired, were paid off and discharged ; the 
reasonable demands of others were satisfied ; and a general 
pardon was granted to the offenders, who cheerfully 
returned to their duty. But the contagion and mutinous 
example of the Pennsylvania line had spread in some de- 
gree its dangerous influence over other parts of the army. 
It operated more particularly on a part of the Jersey troops, 
soon after the pacification of the disorderly Pennsylvania 
soldiers, though not with equal success and impunity to 
43 



506 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

themselves. A few of the principal leaders of the revolt 
were tried by a court-martial, and found guilty. As a 
second general pardon, without any penal inflictions, would 
have had a fatal effect on the army, two of them suffered 
death for their mutinous conduct. This example of sever- 
ity put a period to every symptom of open revolt, though 
not to the silent murmurs of the army. They still felt 
heavily the immediate inconveniences of the deficiency of 
almost every article necessary to life ; they had little food 
and seldom any covering, except Avhat was forced from 
the adjacent inhabitants by military power. 

France had acknowledged the independence of America; 
and the whole house of Bourbon now supported the claim 
of the United States, though there had yet been no direct 
treaty between America and Spain. It had been the general 
expectation, for some time before it took place, that Spain 
would soon unite with France in support of the American 
cause. From this expectation, the Spaniards in South 
America had prepared themselves for a rupture a consid- 
erable time before any formal declaration of war had taken 
place. They were in readiness to take the earliest advan- 
tage of such an event. They had accordingly seized Pen- 
sacola, in West Florida, and several British posts on the 
Mississippi, before the troops stationed there had any inti- 
mation that hostilities were declared, in the usual style, 
between England and Spain. Don Bernard de Galvez, 
the Spanish governor of Louisiana, had proclaimed the 
independence of America, in New Orleans, at the head of 
all the forces he could collect, as early as the 19th of Au- 
gust, 1779, and had proceeded immediately to surprise and 
conquer, Avherever he could, the unguarded British settle- 
ments. The British navy, generally masters of the ocean, 
had, early after hostilities commenced, beaten some of the 
Spanish ships, intercepted the convoys, and captured or 
destroyed several of the homeward-bound fleets of mer- 
chantmen. But, by this time, the arms of Spain had been 
successful in several enterprises by sea. At the Bay of 
Honduras and in the West Indies, they also soon gained 
several other advantages. Galvez had concerted a plau 



(JAPTURE OK MR. LAURENS. 17S0. 607 

With the governor of Havana, to surprise Mobile. He 
encountered storms, dangers, disappointments and difficul- 
ties, almost innumerable. This enterprising Spaniard 
recovered, however, in some measure, his losses ; and 
receiving a reinforcement from Havana, with a part of 
the regiment of Navarre, and some other auxiliaries, he 
landed near Mobile, and reduced the whole province of 
West Florida, in May, 1781. 

It was, indeed, some time after the accession of Spain, 
that any other European power explicitly acknowledged 
the independence of the United States ; but Mr. Izard, who 
was sent by congress to Tuscany, and Mr. William Lee, 
to the court of Vienna, in 1 778, inspired with that lively 
assurance which is sometimes the pledge of success, had 
met with no discouraging circumstances. Holland had a 
still more difficult part to act, than France, Spain, or per- 
haps any other European power, who actually had adhered 
to, or appeared inclined to favor, the cause of America. 
Her embarrassments arose in part from existing treaties 
with Creat Britain, by which the latter claimed the Dutch 
republic as their ally. 

The unfortunate capture of Mr. Laurens, the American 
envoy, prevented for a time all public negotiations with 
Holland. He had been vested with discretionary powers, 
and had suitable instructions given him, to enter into pri- 
vate contracts and negotiations, as exigencies might offer, 
for the interest of his country, until events had ripened for 
ills full admission as ambassador of the United States of 
America. The British commander knew not the rank of 
his prisoner, until the packages, thrown overboard by Mr. 
Ijaurens, were recovered by a British sailor. Notwith- 
standing the resentment of the British envoy at the Hague, 
the conduct of the Dutch court remained for some time so 
equivocal, that neither Great Britain nor America were 
fully satisfied with their determinations. It is true, a 
treaty with the United States was for some time postponed; 
but the answer of the Dutch government to the remon- 
strances of Sir Joseph Yorke, the British envoy, not being 
sufficiently condescending and decided, his resentment 



608 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



daily increased. He informed his court, in very strong 
terms, of the effect of his repeated memorials, of the con- 
duct of the Dutch government, and of that of the principal 
characters of the Batavian provinces. Great Britain soon 
after, in the recess of parliament, amidst all her other diffi- 
culties, at war with France, Spain and America, and left 
alone by all the other powers of Europe to decide her own 
quarrels, declared hostilities against the Netherlands; and 
a long manifesto from the king was sent abroad in the lat- 
ter part of December, 1780. 

The capture of Mr. Laurens was, hov/ever, no small 
embarrassment to the British ministry. Their pride would 
not suffer them to recognise his public character ; they 
dared not condemn him as a rebel ; the independence of 
America was too far advanced, and there were too many 
captured noblemen and officers in the United States, to 
allow of such a step, lest immediate retaliation should be 
made. He was confined in the tower, forbidden ihe use 
of pen, ink, and paper, and all social intercourse with any 
one; and was even interdicted converse with his young 
son, who had been several years in England for his edu- 
cation. 




John Adams. 



MISSION OF JOHN ADAMS TO HOLLAND. 1780. 



509 



Immediately after the news of the capture and imprison- 
ment of Mr. Laurens, the American congress directed John 
Adams, who had a second time been sent to Europe in a 
pubhc character, to leave France and repair to Holland, 
there to transact the affairs with the States-General, which 
had before been entrusted to Mr. Laurens. Mr. Adams' 
commission was enlarged. From a confidence in his tal- 
ents and integrity, he was vested with ample powers for 
negotiation, for the forming treaties of alliance and com- 
merce, or the loan of moneys, for the United States of 
America. Not fettered by precise instructions, he exer- 
cised his discretionary powers with judgment and ability. 
Thus, in strict amity with France and Spain — on the point 
of a treaty of alliance with the Ratavian Republic — and in 
the mean time Sweden and Denmark balancing, and nearly 
determined on a connection with America, the foreign rela- 
tions of the United States, in general, wore a very favora- 
ble aspect. 




43* 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

American Revolution. — Camfaign in the south — General Greene af- 
pointed to the command of the southern army — March of Cormvallis to 
North Carolina — Battle of Cowpcns — Defeat of PilVs tory regiment — 
Greene- s retreat to Virginia — Battle of Guilford — March of Cormval- 
lis to Virginia — Clinton sends troops to the Chesapeake — Battle between 
Greene and Rawdon — Devastations of the British in Virginia — Manoeu- 
vres of Steuben and La Fayette — Bold stratagem of General Wayne — 
Greeners movements in South Carolina — Battle of Eittaw Springs — 
War in Virginia — Cornwallis fortifies himself in Yorhtovm — Wash- 
ington's dexterous manceuvres — Arrival of De Grasse's French fleet — 
Battle between De Grasse and Admiral Graves — Siege of Yorktoivn — 
Surrender of Cornwallis — Campaign of Greene and Wayne in the 
south — Expulsion of the British from the Carolines and Georgia. 

We must now resume our narrative of the campaign in 
the south. General Gates having retired from the service, 
General Greene was appointed, hy congress, to succeed him. 
He immediately repaired to the seat of war, and exerted him- 
self to rally and concentrate the scattered forces of the Amer- 
icans. Early in January, 1781, Cornwallis moved from 
his camp at Winneshorongh, and directed his march toward 
North Carolina, across the territory lying between Broad 
and Catawba rivers. To check his progress, the Americans 
decided to threaten the post of Ninety-six, at the same 
time that Colonel Morgan, with five hundred Virginia reg- 
ulars, some companies of militia, and Colonel Washington's 
body of light-horse, were detached by Greene to guard the 
fords of the river Pacolet. Greene himself, took post on the 
Pedee, opposite Cheraw Hill. This division of his forces 
was judged very hazardous, as, if the British general 
had pushed onward, he might have thrown himself between 
the two parties and crushed each one separately. Greene, 
possibly, had the means of knowing that his enemy was not 



BATTLE OF COWPENS. 1781. 511 

prepared for a rapid and decisive movement. Cornwallis, 
anxious for the safety of Ninety-six, ordered Tarleton, with 
his legion of cavalry and a body of infantry, to advance 
and cover that fortress. Tarleton, on arriving there, found 
everything quiet. The Americans had withdrawn, after 
some slight skirmishes; on which he wheeled about and 
marched upon Morgan, confident of being able either to fall 
upon him by surprise and put him to the route, or at least to 
drive him beyond Broad river, which would have left the 
way clear for the royal army. Cornwallis, being apprized 
of his design, gave it his sanction, and lent his aid by 
moving up the left bank of the river to threaten Morgan's 
rear. The scheme at first promised full success. Tarleton 
effected a quick and safe passage across the Ennoree and 
Tiger, and made his appearance on the banks of the Pacolet. 
Morgan retreated before him, and Tarleton closely pushed 
in pursuit. 

Morgan now found his situation critical, — an active and 
enterprising enemy pressing upon his rear, and a river in 
front. By retreating still farther, he was under the neces- 
sity of crossing the river in the face of the enemy. He 
determined, therefore, to make a stand and give him battle. 
He took post, January 17th, at the Cowpens, and drew up 
his troops in three divisions. The first, composed of 
militia, under Colonel Pickens, occupied the front of a wood 
in view of the enemy. The second, composed of regulars, 
under Colonel Howard, was concealed in the wood itself. 
The third, consisting of Washington's cavalry, was posted 
behind the second division as a reserve. Tarleton, eager 
for the fight, and confident of victory, came up and formed 
in two lines, his infantry in the centre of each, and his 
cavalry on the flanks. Everything seemed to assure him 
the victory. He was superior in cavalry, and his troops, 
both ofRcers and soldiers, manifested the greatest confidence 
and ardor. He began the attack upon the advanced body of 
the Americans with great spirit. The militia, as had been 
expected, made but a feeble resistance, and then broke and 
fled in confusion. Pursuing their advantage, the British 
then fell upon the second hue, but here they made less 



612 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

impression, and the battle raged fiercely, without any dis- 
position to yield on the part of the Americans. The British 
light horse made an attack upon Washington's cavalry, but 
were repulsed. Tarleton, finding now a more obstinate 
resistance in all quarters than he had anticipated, pushed 
forward a battalion of his second line, and, at the same time, 
directed a charge of cavalry upon the American right flank. 
The attack was pushed so vigorously that the American 
regulars gave way and were thrown into disorder. The 
British now imagined the day was their own, and rushed 
forward with their cavalry in pursuit of the fugitives, but 
Washington's troop, still in perfect order, and which had 
been waiting for the decisive moment, fell suddenly upon 
them with such impetuosity that he gave them an instant 
check. And now the tide of success began to turn. The 
militia had been rallied and brought back to the fight. 
Morgan was visible everywhere, and his presence and 
\vords reanimated the spirits of his soldiers. Taking 
advantage of a moment of enthusiasm, he urged them in 
one general and precipitate charge upon the enemy. The 
shock was tremendous, and the British, astonished at this 
furious attack from an enemy whom tliey had thought 
utterly overthrown, at first paused and then everywhere 
gave way. In vain did their ollicers employ exhortation, 
prayers and threats to stay the fugitives ; they broke their 
ranks and fled in confusion, and the defeat of the British 
army was total. 

Such was the issue of the battle of Cowpens, one of the 
most obstinately contested conflicts of the whole war. 
Tarleton lost, in killed, wounded and prisoners, above eight 
hundred men, together with two pieces of cannon, the 
colors of the seventh regiment, and all his baggage and 
carriages. The effects of this victory were most decisive 
and important. The destruction of the best part of the 
British cavalry and the total defeat of Tarleton, who had 
been, till that period, the terror of the whole southern coun- 
try, animated the Americans with fresh spirits. The loss 
of the horses was a most severe one to the British, as the 
face of the country, which is flat and open, renders cavalry 



DEFEAT OF COLONEL PILL. 1781. 513 

of the Utmost importance to a campaign in that quarter. 
The consequences of this battle were heavily felt by the 
Britisli during the remainder of the war in the Carolinas 
and Virginia ; it was, in a word, decisive of the fate of those 
provinces. 

t^ornwallis, irritated by this unexpected defeat, immedi- 
ately put his army in motion to pursue the victorious 
Americans. Greene, finding his forces insufficient to meet 
the enemy, retreated before him into Virginia. This retreat 
however, did not prove so beneficial to the royal cause as 
Cornwallis had anticipated, yet it caused the British to 
redouble their eflbrts in stimulating the inhabitants to take 
arms on their side. Cornwallis despatched Tarleton into 
the district between Haw and Deep rivers, to raise a corps of 
loyalists, who were represented as very iiumeroiTS in that 
quarter. His exertions were not in vain. The family of 
Pill, one of the most considerable of the country, was also 
one of the foremost in setting this example. Already a 
colonel of that family had assembled a considerable body 
of his most audacious partisans, and was on his way to join 
Tarleton. But Greene, who was fully sensible how preju- 
dicial it would prove to the American cause if he suffered 
their arms to be weakened in North Carolina, and fearing 
the tories might revolutionize that province, had ordered 
Lee's cavalry to the banks of the Dan to counteract the 
efforts of the British. Lee made a rapid march and fell in 
with Colonel Pill's troops. These loyalists, totally unac- 
quainted with the profession of arms, took no precautions 
to reconnoitre the country on their march in order to obtain 
intelligence of their enemies, and, on the sight of Lee's 
troops, imagined they were Tarleton's corps. The Ameri- 
cans, who knew their business better, immediately charged 
them with great impetuosity. The loyalists, not yet dis- 
covering their mistake, shouted, "Long live the king!" 
but ihe fury of their assailants only raged the fiercer, and, 
in a few minutes, the few of them who survived were 
obliged to surrender. Thus these rash and inexperienced 
men were led to slaughter by a hot-headed and presump- 



614 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

tiioiis chief, who had imagined tliat the spirit of party could 
supply the place of talent and knowledge. 

At the news of this catastrophe, Tarleton, who was ni 
the immediate neighborhood, put his troops in motion, with 
intent to encounter Lee ; but an order of Cornwallis checked 
him and drew him back to Hillsborough. This was caused 
by a bold movement of Greene, who had re-crossed the 
Dan and agaui threatened to overrun North Carolina. He 
took post on the western bank of the river, toward the head 
streams of the Haw, in a strong position, to avoid the 
necessity of an immediate battle, as his reinforcements had 
not yet arrived. Cornwallis immediately qiiitted Hillsbo- 
rough, crossed the Haw, and detached Tarleton to scour 
the country as far as Deep river. The two armies were 
now separated only by the Haw, and daily skirmishes 
ensued. The two generals manoeuvred a long time with 
great ability, Cornwallis to bring liis enemy to battle, and 
Greene to avoid it. The American was skilful enough to 
keep his antagonist at bay ; but toward the middle of 
March he received reinforcements of militia and regulars, 
and determined no longer to decline a decisive action, but, 
on the contrary, to march directly upon the enemy. He 
accordingly pushed forward his whole force, and took a 
position at Guilford Court House. 

Cornwallis innucdiately advanced to meet his antagonist. 
His army consisted of above two thousand four hundred 
veteran troops. The forces of Greene were much superior 
in number, but the greater part were militia. Not five hun- 
dred men in his army had ever seen service. All the adja- 
cent country was covered with thick woods, interspersed 
here and there with spots of cultivation. A gentle and 
woody declivity traversed and extended far on both sides 
of the great road which leads from Salisbury to Guilford. 
This road runs through the centre of the forest. In the 
neighborhood of Guilford were two open fields, of moderate 
extent, adapted to military evolutions. On the 15th of 
March, Greene had occupied, with a body of troops, a wood, 
covering the slope of an eminence, and likewise drawn up 



BATTLE OF GUILFORD. 1781. 515 

a portion of his army in the contiguous plain. In this 
position he designed to receive the enemy. His order of 
battle was in three divisions ; the first, composed of North 
Carolina militia, under Generals Butler and Eaton, was 
posted toward the foot of the hill on the edge of the forest. 
Its front was covered by a thick hedge, and two pieces of 
cannon defended the great road. The second division 
comprised the Virginia militia, under Generals Stevens 
and liawson, and was formed in the woods parallel to the 
first, about eight hundred yards in the rear. The regu- 
lars, under General Huger and Colonel Williams, filled 
the plain which extends from the forest to Guilford. This 
ground permitted them to manoeuvre. Two other pieces 
of cannon, planted upon an eminence which covered their 
flank, commanded also the highway. Colonel Washington, 
with his dragoons and Linch's riflemen, flanked the right 
wing; and Colonel Lee, with a detachment of light infan- 
try and the dragoons of Campbell, the left. 

Cornwallis drew up in the following manner; General 
Leslie, with an English regiment and the Hessian regiment 
of Boze, occupied the right of the first line; and Colonel 
Webster, with two English regiments, the left. A bat- 
talion of guards formed a reserve to the first, and another 
to the second. The artillery and grenadiers marched in 
close column in the great road, where Tarleton was also 
posted with his legion, but with orders not to move, except 
upon emergency, until the infantry, after having carried 
the wood, should advance into the plain behind it, where 
cavalry could act. The battle began by a brisk cannon- 
ade on both sides. The British then, leaving their artillery 
behind, rushed forward through the fire of the enemy into 
the intermediate plain. Tlie Carolina militia at first stood 
fire, but, on being charged with the bayonet, broke their 
ranks and fled. The British then assailed the Virginia 
militia, who maintained their ground longer, but at length 
fell back. The British, having gained the open ground, 
next attacked the American regulars, but here they met 
with a firm resistance, and Leslie, finding he could make 
no impression upon the American left, sheltered his men 



516 AMERICAN RKV0LT7TI0V. 

behind a ravine. The action M-as snpportod in the centre 
with great Ihry. Stewart, with the British gnards and 
grenadiers, had tahen so fiercely ujx>n the l!>ela\vare troops, 
that he had hroken their hne and taken two pieces of can- 
non, hut the ^larylanders came promptly to their assist- 
ance, and not only restored the battle, but forced the British 
to recoil in disorder. At this moment Washington's cav- 
alry came up and charged them with such imixMuosity 
that he put them to tlight, with great slaughter, and 
recovered the two cannon. Colonel Stewart, who com- 
manded this body of British, was killed. 

Had the Americans promptly taken advantage of this 
success, by planting tlicir artillery on the hill bordering the 
great road, they would at once have cut the let't wing of the 
enemy otf tVom the centre and right, and obtained a decisive 
victory. But instead of taking possession of the height, they 
contented themselves with the advantage they had gained, 
and repaired to the jx>sts they had previously occupied. 
The British at once saw this oversight, and lost no time 
in placing their artillery upon tlie hill, from which they 
jxnnvd in a destructive tire upon the American regulars. 
This turned the fortune of the day. The British centre 
and lelt rallied, and a charge was made upon the American 
tlank. The whole weight of the battle now fell upon the 
American regulars, who, Ihidiug themselves assailed on 
diil'erent sides, began to think of retreat. They withdrew 
step by step, without breaking their ranks, and still pre- 
serving a manacing attitude. They were obliged, how- 
ever, to abandon their cannon. The British then advanced 
and charged General Greene's rislit wing, which was forced 
to give way. The Americans no longer contested the 
field, and withdrew about three miles from the scene of 
the battle, where they halted to take care of their wounded 
and collect their scattered forces. 

The Americans lost thirteen hundred men, in killed and 
wounded and prisoners, in this obstinate confiict. The 
loss of the Britisli exceeded six hundred. Cornwallis 
remained master of the field, but, except the honor of the 
victory, he reajxxl no advantage from his success. Tlie 




John Manhall, LL. D. 




IHmot/iy Pickering, 




Alexander Hamilton. 




liaw Lee. 



CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 1781. 617 

loss of SO many of his veteran troops could not be repaired. 
Greene withdrew, unmolested, behind Reedy Fork, while 
the British general, from the fatigue of his soldiers, the 
multitude of his wounded, and the strength of the new 
position which the Americans had taken, could not pursue 
him with any hope of success. Greene moved from Reedy 
Fork, and encamped at the Iron Works on Troublesome 
Creek. Cornwallis became embarrassed by the refusal of 
the inhabitants to join his standard after the battle of 
Guilford ; his provisions also failed him, and he fell back 
upon Bell's Mills, on Deep river, abandoning a great part 
of his wounded to the care of the Americans. He soon 
decamped from this neighborhood, and marched with all 
possible expedition towards the eastern parts of North 
Carolina. He found many difficulties in his way, but 
pursued his route with great perseverance. His army 
cheerfully sustained the severest fatigue; but, as they had 
frequently done before, they marked their way with the 
slaughter of the inhabitants, through a territory of many 
hundred miles in extent from Charleston to Yorktown. It 
was afterwards computed that fourteen hundred widows 
were made, during this year's campaign only, in the dis- 
trict of Ninety-six. A detail of all the small rencounters 
that took place this year in both the Carolinas, would only 
fatigue the reader. It is enough to observe that the Amer- 
icans, under various leaders, were continually attacking, 
with alternate success and defeat, the chain of British 
posts planted from Camden to Ninety-six ; and as Greene 
himself expressed his sentiments in this embarrassed situa- 
tion, "We fight, get beaten; rise and fight again; the 
whole country is one continued scene of slaughter and 
blood." Fierce encounters were still kept up between the 
British detachments posted on advantageous heights, and 
on the banks of deep and unfordable rivers which inter- 
sected each other, and the hardy chieftains who led the 
Carolinian bands over mountains, declivities, swamps and 
rivers, to the vicinity of Charleston. Thence they were 
often obliged to retreat back from the borders of civiliza- 
tion, again to seek safety in the dreary wilderness ; until 
44 



618 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the British, wearied by a constant course of harassing 
conflicts, at length drew in their outposts, and concentrated 
their forces. 

In the mean time, CHnton had detached a fleet from New 
York, with fifteen hundred troops on board, to cooperate 
with CornwaUis. The troops were landed in Chesapeake 
Bay, and committed the most alarming depredations. In- 
eftectual attempts were made to dislodge them. A move- 
ment was now made, by Greene, towards South Carolina. 
He boldly advanced, and gave battle to liord Rawdon, 
who was in the vicinity of Camden, on the 2oth of April. 
A desperate contest ensued, and victory was doubtful. 
Both withdrew from the conflict, and left the field covered 
with the dead. Rawdon retired to Camden, and strength- 
ened his position. Greene advanced, and, by a desperate 
assault, was on the point of carrying the strong fortress of 
Ninety-six, the reduction of which M^ould have recovered 
all South Carolina, except Charleston. At this critical 
moment. Lord Rawdon pui himself at the head of seven- 
teen hundred fresh troops, then arrived from Ireland, and, 
by forced marches, advanced to the relief of Ninety-six. 
The approach of this force compelled Greene to abandon 
the assault, when engaged hand to hand with the enemy, 
and when victory was ready to decide in his favor. The 
general drew oft' his army towards Camden, in good order. 
The British pursued, but Greene eluded them, by filing 
oft" towards Charleston, and taking a strong position upon 
the hills of Sautee. Rawdon retired to Charleston. 

The war, during these operations in the south, raged 
in Virginia. The British were under the command of 
General Phillips, and the ravages of the enemy exceeded 
all description. At Petersburg, they destroyed all the ship- 
ping and about four hundred hogsheads of tobacco. At 
Osborn's Mills, they took two ships and ten smaller vessels, 
laden with cordage, flour, «fcc. Four ships and a number 
of smaller vessels were burnt or sunk, besides many others 
destroyed by the Americans, to prevent their falling into 
the hands of the enemy, together with about three thousand 
hogsheads of tobacco, April 27. On the 30th, they pene- 



Wayne's movements in Virginia. — irsi. 519 

trated to Manchester, and destroyed twelve hundred hogs- 
heads more ; thence they proceeded to Warwick, and laid 
waste the shipping, both in tiie river and on the stocks ; also, 
extensive rope-walks, tanneries, warehouses, and maga- 
zines oT flour, mills, &c., in one general conflagration, and 
then embarked on board their shipping. 

The Baron Steuben, with a small American army, op- 
posed this party, but his force was insufficient to make any 
serious impressions. La Fayette was detached with troops 
to assist him ; but such was the state of the military funds, 
that, when he arrived in Baltimore, he was obliged to bor- 
row two thousand guineas, on his own responsibility, to 
enable him to proceed. On the strength of this, he advanced 
to Richmond, where he joined the baron, with the Yirginia 
militia, and covered Richmond. Here he watched the move- 
ments of the enemy, though too weak to check all their 
operations. On the 9th of May, General Phillips entered 
Petersburg, where he died on the 13th. 

Cornwallis had advanced from Guilford to Wilmington, 
and left Greene in the rear. From Wilmington he ad- 
vanced to Petersburg, where he found eighteen hundred 
troops, and, being thus reinforced, he advanced towards 
Richmond, in order to dislodge La Fayette. Flushed by 
recent triumphs, in a letter to Sir Henry, he thus wrote, 
" The boy cannot escape me." He did escape, hoAvever, 
and evacuated the place on the 27th of May. On the 7th 
of June, General Wayne joined La Fayette, with eight 
hundred of the Pennsylvania militia. While on the 
march, however, supposing the main army of Cornwallis 
had crossed the river James, he attacked what he sup- 
posed to be the rearguard, when, to his surprise, he found 
the general at the head of the army, ready to receive him. 
Finding no time was to be lost, he advanced to the charge, 
at the head of his column, in gallant style. The conflict 
was sharp, and, availing himself of his first impression, he 
hastily withdrew, leaving the general as much astonished 
as he found him. He retreated in good order, without 
pursuit, as Cornwallis probably concluded that it was 



620 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

an ambuscade. The British retired in the night, and 
marched to Portsmouth. 

Meantime, Greene, at his post on the heights of the 
Santee, was not inactive. He made great exertions to 
strengthen his army by new recruits, and to disciphne the 
whole force by frequent manoeuvres. The miUtia of the 
surrounding districts, resorted, in great numbers, to his 
standard, and he felt himself sufficiently strong for active 
operations. In the beginning of September, the intense 
heats having subsided, he moved forward, with a design 
to expel the British from the posts they occupied in the 
interior of South Carolina. Taking a circuitous course 
toward the upper Congaree, he crossed that stream, and 
descended rapidly along the western bank, with all his 
forces, to attack the British post near the continence of 
that river with the Santee. Colonel Stuart, who com- 
manded the troops at this place, finding the American 
army superior to his own. especially in caA^alry, retreated 
to Eutaw Springs, where he threw up works. Greene 
pursued him to this place, and, on the Sth of September, a 
severe battle was fought. 

The Americans marched to the attack in three lines, the 
advance being composed of the Carolina militia, the second 
line of regulars, and the reserve comprising Washington's 
dragoons and the Delaware militia. Colonel Lee, with his 
legion of cavalry, covered the right flank, and Colonel 
Henderson the left. The British troops were drawn np 
in two lines; the vanguard being defended on the right by 
the little stream of the Eutaw, and the left nesting upon a 
thick wood. The second line, forming a reserve, was sta- 
tioned npon the heights commanding the Charleston road. 
After some skirmishing between the irregulars of both 
armies, the engagement became general and was main- 
tained, for a considerable time, with balanced success. At 
length the Carolina militia broke and retired in disorder. 
The left of the British quitted its position to pursue them, 
causing a gap in their front line. Greene, perceiving his 
advantage, pushed forward his second line, .and charged 



BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRING. — irsi. 521 

the enemy so vigorously that they were thrown into dis- 
order, and began to retreat. To complete their route, Lee, 
with his cavalry, turned their left flank and attacked them 
in the rear. The whole left wmg of the British now took 
to flight; the right only held firm. Greene brought up the 
regulars, and attacked it briskly m front, while Washmg- 
ton"s dragoons fell upon the flank. The British now gave 
way in all quarters, and retreated in haste and disorder to 
their mtrenchment. Several cannon and a great niunber 
of prisoners fell into the hands of the Americans. The 
victory seemed to be fully accomplished. 

But in the moment of anticipated victory, an unexpected 
rally of the enemy checked the Americans ui the full tide 
of success. The British, in their flight, had the presence 
of mmd to throw themselves mto a very large and strong 
house, where they made a desperate defence. A body of 
them took shelter in a thick and almost impenetrable brush- 
wood, and another in a garden fenced with palisades. 
Here the battle recommenced, with more fury than at first. 
The Americans made the bravest and most persevering 
attempts to dislodge the enemy from these new posts. They 
brought up four pieces of artfllery and conmienced batter- 
ing the house. Colonel Washington attempted to penetrate 
the wood, and Lee endeavored to force the garden ; but 
their eflbrts were vain. The British repulsed them with 
great slaughter, and Washington was wounded and taken. 
Stuart rallied his right wing, pushed it forward, and by a 
circuitous movement gained the left flank of the Americans. 
Greene was now convinced that it was impossible to make 
any fiuther impression upon the enemy ; he therefore, put 
an end to the carnage, by drawmg ofl' his troops. The 
Americans returned to their first encampment, carrying ofl' 
most of their wounded, and five himdred prisoners; but 
losing two pieces of cannon. 

The battle of Eutaw was one of the most hard-fought 
contests that took place during the whole war. The 
American troops exliibited uncommon valor. Impatient 
to close with their enemies, they promptly resorted to the 
bayonet, which they had seemed to dread at the commence- 
44* 



522 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

ment of hostilities ; but Avhich was now become a formi- 
dable weapon in their hands. The British, on their part, 
defended their posts with great resolution. The Americans 
lost, in killed, wounded and prisoners, six hundred men. 
The loss of the British was much greater; and, on the 
night of the following day, they abandoned their entrench- 
ments, and retreated down the river to Monk's Corner, 
having destroyed their magazines and thrown into the river 
a great quantity of arms. Congress voted public thanks 
to those Avho had distinguished themselves in this battle, 
and presented to General Greene a gold medal and one of 
the captured standards. 

The grand operations of the war were now about to be 
transferred to Virginia. The Americans had no consider- 
able army in that state. Washington lay in his canton- 
ments about New York, where the hostile attitude of Clinton 
demanded his constant vigilance. With these inviting 
prospects, Cornwallis marched from Wilmington, in April, 
1781, and, with some occasional resistance from small par- 
ties of the Americans, reached Petersburg, in Virginia, on 
the 20th of May. Here he was joined by the British forces 
under General Philips, and shortly after by a reinforcement 
of fifteen hundred men from New York. 

Cornwallis now found himself at the head of an army 
amounting nearly to ten thousand men, — a force sutii- 
ciently formidable to bear down all opposition. The troops 
of the xVnioricans did not exceed three thousand men, two 
thirds of whom were militia. These were conunanded by 
La Fayette, who retired as Cornwallis advanced. After 
crossing .Tames river, the British marched and counter- 
marched for some weeks. They took Charlotteville, and 
destroyed a great quantity of stores. Cornwallis then fell 
back upon Richmond, and, on the 2Gth of .Tune, retreated 
to Williamsburg. La Fayette had the address to make 
his force appear much greater than it really was ; and, by 
keeping in an imposing attitude, he compelled his adver- 
sary to act with caution. Many skirmishes took place, 
but no decisive action ensued. About the 1st of July, 
Cornwallis received letters from Clinton, stating his fears 



WAR IN THE SOUTH. 1781. " 623 

of being attacked in New York, and requesting a rein- 
forcement from the army of Cornwallis. He recommended 
that the troops remaining in Virginia should take post in 
some strong situation till the danger at New York had 
passed. To comply with these suggestions, Cornwallis 
resolved to retreat toward the shores of the Chesapeake. 
Portsmouth, near Norfolk, where the British had a strong 
garrison, was first fixed upon as the station for the army ; 
but, on account of the fleet, Yorktown was afterward found 
a preferable spot. The troops were, therefore, removed 
from Portsmouth to Yorktown, and here the whole British 
army fortified tliemselves in July, 1781. The detachment, 
however, to reinforce Clinton was not sent away. Corn- 
wallis expected to be further strengthened by the speedy 
arrival of a British squadron from the West Indies. 

Washington, in the mean time, had been eyeing the 
movements of Cornwallis, in the south, with great anxiety. 
During the early part of the season, he had hopes of strik- 
ing an important blow, by attacking New York, in con- 
junction with the French land and sea-forces and a strong 
body of militia, to be suddenly raised for that purpose. 
The failure of several of the states to forward their militia 
in season, and the arrival of three thousand German troops 
at New York, caused this design to miscarry. Washing- 
ton felt the deepest mortification at this disappointment; 
yet, before long, he had cause to regard it as one of the 
most fortunate events of his life. He was soon enabled 
to employ his army with the most brilliant success in 
another quarter. 

Early in August, intelligence was received that a pow- 
erful French fleet, under the Count de Grasse, was to sail 
immediately from the West Indies for the Chesapeake, 
with several thousand land troops on board. Washington 
now saw an opportunity for making a most important 
change in the campaign. Cornwallis had shut himself up 
in Yorktown, and Washington discerned at once the pos- 
sibility of uniting his army with the French in Virginia, 
and overpowering his enemy at a single stroke. This plan 
required great skill and address; but the American com- 



524 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

mander accomplished it with an abiHty that has seldom 
been equalled. To abandon the neighborhood of New 
York, with all his forces, would lay the country open to 
the incursions of the strong British army in that city; but 
a stratagem of Washington obviated the danger from this 
source. He wrote letters to the officers at the south, stat- 
ing his inability to assist them with any part of his army, 
as he was about to make an immediate attack on New 
York. These letters were intercepted by the British, as 
had been foreseen, and Clinton was completely deceived as 
to the real intentions of Washington. Fearing an immedi- 
ate attack, he dared not send aid to Cornwallis, but left 
that officer to his fate. 

Washington, by a variety of well-combined manoeuvres, 
kept New York and its dependencies in a continual state 
of alarm for several weeks, when, towards the end of Au- 
gust, judging that the proper conjuncture had arrived, he 
suddenly broke up his camp, made a rapid march across 
the Jerseys and Pennsylvania, to the head waters of the 
Chesapeake, embarked the army in boats, descended the 
bay, and landed safely in Virginia. He reached Williams- 
burg on the 14th of September. 

In the mean time, the fortunate arrival of a French fleet 
under the Count de Grasse, in the Chesapeake, on the 30th 
of August, hastened the decision of important events. No 
intelligence of this had reached New York ; nor could any- 
thing have been more unexpected to the British admiral, 
Sir Samuel Hood, who arrived soon after in the Chesa- 
peake, than to find a French fleet, of twenty-eight sail of 
the line, lying there in perfect security. About the same 
time, near twenty British ships of the line, from the West 
Indies, joined the squadron under Admiral Graves, before 
New York. This fleet sailed for the Chesapeake, and 
entered the bay six days after the arrival of the Count de 
Grasse. The French squadron had not been discovered 
by the British commander, nor had he gained any intelli- 
gence that Count de Grasse was on the American coast, 
until the morning of the 5th of September, when the Eng- 
lish observed them in full view within Cape Henry. The 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 1781. 525 

fleets were nearly equal in strength, and a spirited action 
ensued. Equal gallantry was exhibited on both sides, but 
neither could boast of victory. Both squadrons were con- 
siderably injured, and one British seventy-four was ren- 
dered totally unfit for service, and set on fire by the crew. 
The English, indeed, were not beaten, but the French 
gained a double advantage ; for while the Count de Grasse 
remained at a distance, watched by the British navy, he 
secured a passage for the fleet of the Count de Barras from 
Rhode Island, and gained to himself the advantage of 
blocking up the Chesapeake against the enemy. Barras 
brought with him the French troops from Rhode Island, 
amounting to about three thousand men. These joined 
La P^ayette, Avhose numbers had been greatly reduced. 
This reinforcement enabled him to support himself by de- 
fensive operations, until, in a short time, they Avere all 
united under the command of the CoUnt de Rochambeau. 
The British fleet continued a few days in the Chesapeake. 
Their ships were so much injured, that a council of war 
pronounced it necessary to return to New York. 

In the mean time, Clinton wrote letters, full of specious 
promises, to buoy up the hopes of Cornwallis by strong 
assurances that no time should be lost in sending forward 
a force sufficient for his relief. He informed him that a 
fleet, under the command of Lord Digby, who had recently 
arrived at New York, would sail for the Chesapeake by the 
5th of October; that Clinton himself was nearly ready to 
embark with a large body of troops. These flattering 
assurances from the commander-in-chief induced Corn- 
wallis to avoid a general action. His situation had been 
for some time truly distressing. Embarrassed between his 
own opinion and the orders of his superiors, flattered by 
the promise of timely relief, in such force as to enable him 
to cope with the united armies of France and America, 
he waited the result, and would not sufler himself to be 
impelled by any circumstances to risk his army beyond the 
probability of success. The mouth of the river at York- 
town was blocked up by the French fleet ; the American 
army, in high health and spirits, strengthened by daily 



626 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

recruits, led on by Washington, in conjunction with a 
French army, under Rochambeau, an officer of courage, 
experience, and ability, were making rapid advances. On 
the 28th of September, they left "Williamsburg, and on the 
6th of October, twelve thousand strong, they opened their 
trenches before Yorktown. 

On the 9th, the American batteries began to play upon 
Yorktown, with twenty-four eighteen and ten inch mor- 
tars, which continued through the night. The next morn- 
ing the French opened a destructive fire from their batteries, 
without intermission, for about eight hours; and on the 
succeeding night, a terrible fire was kept up from the whole 
line, without intermission, until morning. The horrors of 
this scene were greatly heightened by the conflagration of 
two British ships, set on fire by the shells of the allies and 
consumed in the niglit. The next morning, October 11th, 
the allies opened their second parallel, at the distance of 
two hundred 3^ards, and another British ship was consumed 
by their shells. On the 14th, AVashington ordered two 
battalions to advance to the second parallel, and begin a 
large battery in the centre and in advance. The enemy 
met this movement with an incessant fire from two re- 
doubts, in advance of their works, as well as from their 
whole line, tliat continued through the night. Washing- 
ton detached La Fayette in the morning, at the head of 
the American light infantry, supported by the Baron Vio- 
menil from the line of the French, to advance and storm 
these redoubts, which had so annoyed them through the 
night. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton commanded the van 
of the corps. The redoubt Avas promptly carried by Ija 
Fayette, at the point of the bayonet, but the captives were 
spared. The Marquis sent his aid. Major Barbour, through 
the whole line of the enemy's fire, to notify the Baron Yi- 
omenil of his success, and inquire where he was, to which 
the Baron replied, " I am not in my redoubt, but shall be 
in five minutes." In five minutes his redoubt was carried. 

On the morning of the 16th, Cornwallis detached Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Abercrombie, at the head of four hundred 
men, upon a sortie, to destroy two batteries the allies had 



SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 1781. 



627 



erected in the night. He succeeded, and spiked the can- 
non. The French sufiered severely in the defence of these 
works; but the British gained no permanent advantage. 
On the afternoon of the same day, the alhes opened 
their batteries, covered with about one hundred pieces of 
heavy cannon, and such was their destructive fire, that the 
British lines were soon deinohshed and silenced. Alarmed 
for his safety, Cornwallis now prepared to retire ; his boats 
were collected, and a part of his army was embarked across 
to Gloucester Point, opposite to Yorktown, then under the 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tarlctoii; but a violent 
storm suddenly arose, wliicli defeated the plan, and it was 
with the greatest difficulty that the British could recover 
their boats. 

Cornwallis now, seeing that all hope of succor or escape 
was vain, and that there was nothing left but submission, 
requested a parley, on the 18th, for twenty-four hours, 
and that commissioners might be appointed to arrange arti- 
cles of capitulation. Washington consented, and commis- 
sioners were appointed accordingly. On the 19th the arti- 




Surrender of Comwullis. 

cles were signed, and the whole British army marched out, 
prisoners of war. The same terms were prescribed by the 
commissioners to Lord Cornwallis^ that had been prescribed 



628 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to General Lincoln, at Charleston, just eighteen months 
before. Lincoln was then refused the honors of war, and on 
this occasion he was deputed to receive the sword of his 
lordship. Thus the mission of the Marquis La Fayette to 
France, in the winter of 1779-17S0, was consummated by 
the fall of the hero of the south, at York town. Cornwallis 
pressed hard for permission to embark the British and 
German troops to Europe, under suitable engagements not 
to serve during the war; also, that the tories might be 
protected ; but both were refused. His lordship was, how- 
ever, indulged with the permission that the Bonetta sloop 
of war might pass unsearched; and many of the most 
obnoxious tories escaped from the rage of their injured and 
insulted countrymen. 

Seven thousand troops, Avith one thousand five hundred 
seamen, were taken prisoners with Cornwallis ; together 
with one frigate of twenty-four guns, besides transports, 
(twenty of which had been sunk or otherwise destroyed,) 
seventy-five brass and sixty-nine iron ordnance, howitzers 
and mortars ; also a military chest containing two thousand 
pounds sterling, which, tritiing as it was, could not fail to 
be acceptable to the army. The ships were given to the 
French. 

Washington closed this glorious scene at Yorktown by 
publishing to*the army, both officers and soldiers, in general 
orders, the grateful effusions of his heart. He ordered the 
whole to be assembled in divisions and brigades, to attend 
to divine service, and render thanks to tliat God who had 
given them the victory. Congress received the letter of 
Washington on the 24th, announcing the capture of the 
British army, with the most cordial satisfaction, and imme- 
diately resolved to move in procession, at two o'clock, to the 
Lutheran church, and return thanks to Almighty God, for 
crowning with success the allied arms of America and 
France. Congress next resolved, that a proclamation be 
issued for the religious observance of the 13th of December, 
then next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, 
throughout the United States. 

Thus joy, gratitude, and praise to God were united, and 
became universal, and swelled with transports every patri- 



THE BRITISH EXPELLED FROM THE SOUTH. 1782. 529 

Otic breast throughout United America. Congress resolved, 
on the 2oth, " that thanks be presented General Washing- 
ton, Count de Rochambeau, Count de Grasse, and the 
officers of the different corps, and the men under their com- 
mand, for their services in the reduction of Lord Corn- 
wallis." They next resolved, " that a marble column be 
erected at Yorktown, adorned with emblems commemora- 
tive of the alliance between the United States and his most 
Christian Majesty, and inscribed with a succinct account 
of the surrender of the British army;"' and "that two 
stands of colors be presented to General Washington, and 
two pieces of ordnance be by him presented to Count de 
Rochambeau, as trophies of their illustrious victory ; and 
that the Chevalier de la Luzerne be requested to inform 
his most Christian Majesty, that it was the wish of congress 
that Count de Grasse might be permitted to accept the 
same testimonials with the Count de Rochambeau. 

Rochambeau, with his army, took up his winter quarters 
in Virginia; but the troops under the command of St. 
Simon were embarked for the West Indies, and the Ameri- 
can troops returned to their former stations, excepting such 
cavalry and infantry as were necessary to the service of 
General Greene; these were sent forward in November, 
imder the command of General St. Clair, to cooperate in 
the southern war. The French fleet sailed at the same 
time for the West Indies, and the operations of the season 
were generally closed. Washington retired to Philadelphia, 
to give repose to his mind, as Avell as to confer with con- 
gress upon the future exigencies of the nation. 

Greene, in the mean time, continued posted on the high 
hills of Santee, and, after the capture of Cornwallis, a re- 
inforcement from Washington's army was despatched to 
him under General Wayne. Strengthened by this force, 
he took up his march for Georgia. The British abandoned 
their posts as he advanced, and laid waste the country. 
The Creek Indians also made irruptions, and harassed the 
state, but Wayne defeated them, and put them to tlie roui. 
After many military manoBuvres the British abandoned 
Georgia in July, and the Carolinas in December, 17S2. 
45 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

American Revolution. — Obstinary of George III. — Effects of the sttr- 
rem/ir of Cornwallix — Oppositum in parliament — Change of ministry 
— Sir Guy Carkton appointed to the com/nand in America — Negotia- 
tions at Paris — Peace between the United States and Great Britain — 
General pacification in America and F^urope — Treatment of American 
prisoners by the British — The Jersey prison-ship — Depreciation of the 
continental atrrency — JJisconterits of the army — Mutiny of the Penn- 
sylvania line — Outrage committed upon congress — Dccisire measures of 
Washington — The army disbanded — Washington resigns his commis- 
sion. 

From the beginning of the revolutionary contest, George 
the Third had been most obstinate and uncompromising in 
his opposition to the Americans. Even the capture of 
Cornwallis did not Ining liim to reason, and, in his speech to 
parhanient, lie still urged hostile measures for putting down 
Avhat he called the '-spirit of rebellion." But the nation 
had at last begun to open its eyes to the monstrous folly of 
the American war. Army afier army had laid down their 
arms before the victorious Americans. IMillions upon mil- 
lions of treasure had been wasted in vain eflbrts to bring 
them again under the British yoke, yet the attempt was 
now more desperate than ever. The embarrassments of 
trade and commerce, caused by the long war, were felt 
more and more severely every day, and the opposition in 
parliament grew so formidable, that Lord North's cabinet 
saw plainly their administration was approaching its end. 
At length the house of commons voted an address to the 
king, requesting him to put an immediate end to the war in 
America. Further resolves in parliament, condemning the 
conduct of the ministry, completed the overthrow of Lord 
North, and, on the 22d of March, 1782, lie resigned his 
place of prime minister. 



THE ROCKINGHAM ADMINISTRATION. 1783. 



531 



The Marquis of Rockingham succeeded him, and a new 
cabinet, friendly to the cause of American independence, 
was immediately formed; one of the members of which 




Charles James Fox. 



was Charles James Fox, who had been one of the most 
powerful among the whig leaders in parliament. Military 




Sir Gwj Carleton. 



operations in America were immediately suspended, and as 
one earnest of the sincerity of this resolution, the command 



632 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

of the British forces in America was taken from Sir Henry 
Clinton, and given to Sir Guy Carleton, who was directed 
to advance the wishes of the British government for an 
accommodation with the United States. Agreeably to his 
instructions, Sir Gny proposed a correspondence with con- 
gress, and soHcitcd of the commander-in-chief a passport 
for his secretary. This was however refused, as the United 
States had stipulated not to negotiate without the consent 
of the French government. 

As soon as information of the capture of Cornwallis was 
received at the French court, the government proposed to 
congress the immediate appointment of commissioners to 
treat of peace. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John 
Jay, and Henry Laurens, were accordingly chosen. These 
were met by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald, at Paris, on 
the part of Great Britain. Negotiations were opened with 
the American ministers, and at length, on the 30tli of 
November, 17S2, provisional articles of peace between 
Great Britain and America were signed. By these articles, 
the independence of the states was fully acknowledged. 
The definitive treaty between Great Britain and the United 
States was signed at Paris, on the 3d of September, 17S3, 
by JMessrs. Franklin, Adams and Jay, on the part of 
America, and David Hartley, on the part of Great Britain. 
A treaty of peace between Great Britain, Spain and Hol- 
land, was also concluded on the same day. Peace had 
been signed with France on the 20th of January, 1783. 
Thus, a final close was put to the war, both in Europe 
and America, at the loss of an immense extent of territory 
to Great Britain, together with fit'ty thousand men, who 
perished by the various calamities of Avar, and the expen- 
diture of not less than one hundred millions sterling. All 
this enormous loss might have been prevented by a reason- 
able degree of moderation in conceding the just dem;n'tlo 
of the colonists at the beginning of tho troubles. The 
measures of the British cabinet were conceived in igno- 
rance, executed with rashness and obstinacy, and led to 
final calamity and disgrace. 

The treatment of the Americans, when taken prisoners, 



THE JERSEY PRISON-SHIP. — 1782. 533 

leaves a dark stain on the character of the British com- 
manders in America. The common usages of war are 
sufficiently cruel ; but the Americans were considered as 
rebels, and exposed to brutal cruelties, at which humanity 
shudders. They were tortured with every species of suf- 
fering, to induce them to enter the royal service ; and hun- 
dreds submitted to death rather than bear arms against 
their country. The Jersey prison-ship has acquired a 
most melancholy fame. This vessel was stationed in East 
river, at New York, and was employed chiefly for the 
imprisonment of seamen. Several affecting narratives are 
extant, written by the sufferers in this dismal hidk. Their 
details fill our hearts with sorrow, and arouse our indig- 
nation at the barbarity of men, who, calling themselves 
Christians, practised cruelties more wanton than those of 
savages. During the last six years of the war, upwards 
of eleven thousand prisoners died on board the Jersey, the 
greater number in consequence of inhuman treatment. 
For years their bones lay in heaps on the shore of Long 
Island, as the British seldom took care to bury the bodies 
of their victims. Some years ago these bones were col- 
lected into one place, and a monument erected over them. 
The history of this pile stamps with indelible disgrace the 
name of Sir lienry Clinton. 

But although the war was at an end, the country was 
left in a state of painful embarrassment. The history 
of the continental paper currency presents us the most 
remarkable facts. One of the first acts of the congress 
which assembled immediately after the battle of Lexington, 
was to emit bills to the amount of two millions of dollars, 
which circulated freely, like gold and silver, throughout 
the country, though nobody kiiew when or how they were 
to be redeemed. Within about a month, another million 
was issued. This had equal success, and, on the 10th of 
June, 1776, three millions more were added. Paper money 
now answered every purpose of specie, and millions after 
millions, at different dates, were put forth, as the exigencies 
of the colonies required new funds. No reflecting man 
could indulge an expectation that these bills would ever 
45* 



534 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

be paid ; yet such was the patriotism of the inhabitants, 
that whoever pretended to doubt their value was regarded 
as disatTected to the cause of freedom ; and it is indispu- 
table that, without these paper dollars, the revolutionary 
war could never have been carried on. But the immense 
quantities which continued to be uttered by congress, 
added to the counterfeits on an enormous scale by the 
British, caused, before long, a depreciation in their current 
value. Towards the end of 1777, they passed at the rate 
of two or three for one in silver. In 1778, they were five 
or six for one ; in 1779, twenty-seven and twenty-eight 
for one ; in 1780, fifty or sixty for one ; from this it de- 
clined to several hundred for one, till, toward the close of 
the year, they were dropped by common consent. 

During this rapid depreciation, new issues were contin- 
ually made, though the value realized by the government 
did not correspond to the nominal amount of the emissions, 
as they were obliged to issue them, in the first instance, at 
the current rate of depreciation. Between four and five 
hvmdred millions were thus put into circulation from first 
to last, not one of which was ever redeemed. There is no 
example, in the history of the world, of a financial scheme 
so bold and successful as this. When the paper ceased to 
circulate, every one was convinced of the necessity of the 
measure, and no person regretted it, or seemed to feel its 
loss. It is true, each man was ostensibly some dollars 
poorer than before; but the loss of a heap of worthless 
paper, which could no longer serve any useful purpose, 
restored a confidence in mercantile transactions, that was 
of far higher value than the number of dollars it repre- 
sented. No stagnation of business, nor symptom of what 
is called in modern phrase a "pressure in the money mar- 
ket," followed this surprising revolution in the finances of 
the country. As for the final redemption of the bills, every 
person saw its utter impossibility. 

Yet, when it became necessary to disband the army, the 
most alarming embarrassments arose in consequence of 
this singular state of affairs. The country possessed no 
means of paying the soldiers, and they uttered loud mur- 



THE ARMY DISBANDED. 1783. 535 

inuis. A committee from the army waited on congress 
and represented their grievances and claims. The discon- 
tent among the ranks was further increased by inflamma- 
tory writings, circulated anonymously, calling upon the 
soldiers not to desist from their claims Avhile they had 
arms in their hands. Washington made every exertion 
to quell the rising discontents, but the mutinous spirit was 
so strong that no efforts could hinder it from breaking out 
into open violence. On the 20th of June, 1783, a body of 
Pennsylvania troops, with some others, marched from Lan- 
caster to Philadelphia, where congress were sitting, sur- 
rounded the state-house, and threatened the members with 
the last degree of outrage, unless their demands were 
granted in twenty-four minutes. This gross insult was 
resented by congress with proper spirit and self-respect. 
They refused to listen to the demands of the mutineers, 
and resolved to remove from Philadelphia to Prin6eton, 
where they might pursue their deliberations in safety. 
Washington took the proper steps to suppress and punish 
the mutineers. He despatched a body of fifteen hundred 
men, under General Robert Howe, who quickly reduced 
the malecontents to obedience, without bloodshed. Meas- 
ures were then taken by congress to provide for paying the 
army. There was no national treasury, and the only 
expedient was, to grant certificates to the soldiers, to the 
amount of their wages, which were to be paid at a future 
time. By this method they were dismissed, and in some 
degree satisfied. 

The discontent of the soldiery led to no further acts 
of violence, and the farewell orders of Washington were 
issued to the army on the 2d of November, 1783, from 
which the following is a selection : — 

" A contemplation of the complete attainment, at a period 
earlier than could have been expected, of the object for 
which we contended against so formidable a power, can- 
not but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The 
disadvantageous circumstances, on our part, under which 
the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The 
signal interpositions of Providence, in our feeble condition, 



586 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the 
most unobserving, while the unparalleled perseverance of 
the armies of the United States, through almost every pos- 
sible sutfering and discouragement, for the space of eight 
long years, was little short of a standing miracle." His 
closing words are, — " and being now to conclude these his 
last public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short 
time, of the military character, and to bid adieu to the 
armies he has so long had the honor to command, he can 
only again olfer in their behalf his recommendations to 
their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of armies. 
May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest 
of Heaven's favors, both here and hereafter, attend those 
who, under the divine auspices, have seciu'ed innumerable 
blessings for others ! With these wishes, and this bene- 
diction, the commander-in-chief is about to retire tVom 
service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, 
and the military scene to him will be forever closed." 

The army was now disbanded by the proclamation of 
congress, of which Dr. Thatcher gives the following sketch, 
with the parting scene between General Washington and 
his otficers : — " Paintul, indeed, was the parting scene; no 
description can be adequate to the tragic exhibition. Both 
officers and soldiers, long unaccustomed to the alfairs of 
private life, turned loose on the world to starve, and to 
become a prey to vulture speculators. Never can that 
melancholy day be forgotten,. Avhen friends, companions 
for seven long years in joy and in sorrow, were torn asun- 
der, without the hope of ever meeting again, and Avith 
prospects of a miserable subsistence in future. Among 
other incidents, peculiarly affecting, on this occasion, were 
the lamentations of women and children, earnestly entreat- 
ing that those with whom they had been connected in the 
character of husband and father, would not withdraw from 
them the hand of kindness and protection, and leave them 
in despair; but, in several instances, the reply was, 'No; 
we took you as compa/iiofis dnri/2g- the war, and now we 
are destitute of the means of support, and you must pro- 
vide for yourselves.' " 



THE ARMY DISBANDED. 1783. 537 

On the 25th of November, 17S3, the British army evac- 
uated New York, and the American troops, under General 
Knox, took possession of tlie city. Soon after, Washing- 
ton and Governor Clinton, with their suite, made their 
pubhc entry into the city on horseback, followed by the 
lieutenant-governor and the members of council for the 
temporary government of the southern district, four abreast; 
General Knox, and the officers of the army, eight abreast; 
citizens on horseback, eight abreast; the speaker of the 
assembly, and the citizens on foot, eight abreast. The 
governor gave a public dinner, at which the commander- 
in-chief and other general officers were present. The 
arrangements for the whole business were so well made 
and executed, that the most admirable tranquillity suc- 
ceeded through the day and night. On Monday the gov- 
ernment gave an elegant entertainment to the French 
ambassador, the Chevalier de la Luzerne. Washington, 
the principal officers of New York state and of the army, 
and upwards of a hundred gentlemen, were present. Mag- 
nificent fireworks, infinitely exceeding everything of the 
kind before seen in the United States, were exhibited at the 
Bowling Green in Broadway, on the evening of Tuesday, 
in celebration of the definitive treaty of peace. They 
commenced by a dove descending with the olive branch, 
and setting fire to a marron battery. 

On Tuesday noon, December 4th, the principal officers 
of the army assembled at Francis' tavern, to take a final 
leave of their much-loved commander-in-chief Soon after, 
Washington entered the room. His emotions were too 
strong to be concealed. Filling a glass, he turned to them 
and said; '" With a heart full of love and gratitude, 1 now 
take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter 
days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones 
have been glorious and honorable." Having drank, he 
added, "I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, 
but shall be obliged to you if each of you will come and 
take me by the hand." General Knox, being nearest, 
turned to him. Incapable of utterance, Washington, in 
tears, grasped his hand, embraced and kissed him. In the 



638 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

same aflectionate manner he took leave of each succeeding 
officer. In every eye was the tear of dignified sensibihty, 
and not a word was articulated to interrupt the eloquent 
silence and tenderness of the scene. Leaving the room, 
he passed through the corps of light infantry, and walked 
to White-Hall, where a barge waited to convey him to 
Paulus' Hook. The whole company followed in mute and 
solemn procession, with dejected countenances, testifying 
feelings of delicious melancholy, which no language can 
describe. Having entered the barge, he turned to the 
company, and, waving his hat, bade them a silent adieu. 
They paid him the same affectionate compliment, and, 
after the barge had left them, returned in the same solemn 
manner to the place Avhere they had assembled. The pas- 
sions of human nature were never more tenderly agitated 
than in this interesting and distresstul scene. 

Congress was now in session at Annapolis, to whom, on 
the 23d of December, the commander-in-chief resigned his 
commission. The governor, council, and legislature of 
Maryland, several general officers, the consul general of 
France, and numerous citizens of Annapolis, were present. 
The members of congress were seated, and covered, as 
representatives of the sovereignty of the Union ; the spec- 
tators were uncovered, and standing. The general was 
introduced to a chair by the secretary, who, alter a decent 
interval, ordered silence. A short pause ensued, when 
Thomas Mitilin, the president, informed the general, that 
" the United States, in congress assembled, were prepared 
to receive his communications;'' — on which he rose, with 
dignity, and delivered this address : — 

" Mr. President — The great events on which my resig- 
nation depended having at length taken place, I now have 
the honor of otfering my sincere congratulation to congress, 
and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into 
their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the 
indulgence of retiring from the service of my country. 

"Happy in the confirmation of our independence and 
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afibrded the 
United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign 
with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with ditli- 



WASHINGTON RESIGNS HIS COMMISSION. 1783. 539 

dence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so ardu- 
ous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confi- 
dence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the 
supreme power of tlie Union, and the patronage of Heaven. 

" The successful termination of the war has verified the 
most sanguine expectations ; — my gratitude for the interpo- 
sitions of Providence, and the assistance I have received 
from my countrymen, increase with every review of the 
momentous contest. 

" While I respect my obligations to the army in general, 
I should do injustice to my own feelings, not to acknowl- 
edge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished 
merits of the persons who have been attaclied to my person 
during the war. It was impossible the choice of confiden- 
tial officers, to compose my family, should have been more 
fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular 
those who have continued in the service to the present 
moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage 
of congress. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close 
this last solemn act of my ofiicial life, by commending the 
interests of our country to the protection of Almighty God, 
and those who have the superintendence of them, to his 
holy keeping. 

" Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire 
from tbe great theatre of action; and bidding an affection- 
ate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have 
long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave 
of all the employments of public life." 

When accepting his commission, congress, through their 
president, expressed in glowing language to Washington 
their high sense of his wisdom and energy, in conducting 
the war to so happy a termination, and invoking the 
choicest blessings upon his future life. 

President Mifflin concluded as follows : " We join you 
in commending the interest of our country to the protection 
of Almighty God, beseeching Him to dispose the hearts and 
minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded 
them of becoming a happy nation ; and our prayers for 
you, sir, that your days may be happy, and He will finally 
give you that reward which tl^is \vorld cannot aive." 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

The Confederation. — Washington retires to private life — State of the 
country — Defects of the old confederation — E/nbarrassrnents after the ter- 
mination of the icar — Foundation of the Order of Cincinnati — Trouble 
in the Eastern States — Insurrection of Shays — The militia of Massa- 
chusetts raised — Affair of Springfield — Defeat of the insurgents — 
Tranquillity restored — Planfor a new federal gavemmcnt — Convention 
of Philadelphia — Formation of the Federal Constitution — Washington 
elected president — His tour through the country — Hamilton's financial 
system — United States Bank established — Vermont admitted into the 
Union — First census — Indian war — Defeat of St. Clair — ^^ayne's 
campaign — Defeat of the Indians — Treaty of Grenville — The Whiskey 
Insurrection in Pennsylvania — Commencement of the French Revolu- 
tion — Arrival of Genet in the United States — His extraordinary beha- 
vior and recall — Jay's treaty — Adams elected president — Hostility of 
the Fraich Direct oiy — Capture of the Insurgente — Peace with France — 
Death of Washington. 

The American army being disbanded, the soldiers, 
covered with honorable scars, returned qnietly to their 
homes. Washington, reiusing alike public honors, titles 
and pay, withdrew to the abode of private retirement, at his 
farm at Mount Vernon ; and the world saw, with astonish- 
ment and admiration, an army and its chief voluntarily 
lay down their arms, after seven years' service, with the 
only remuneration for their labors which arose from the 
consciousness of having established the liberties of their 
country. The United States had now an independent 
national existence, yet the general government had no con- 
solidation or permanent system. The states during the 
war had adhered to each other by the pressure of a com- 
mon danger, and the authority of congress, although rest- 
ing solely on the spontaneous consent of the several bodies 
which formed the confederacy, was found sufficient for the 




George Washington. 




James Madison 




James Alonroe. 




Francis Marion. 



THE ORDER OF THE CINCINNATI. — 1783. 641 

common purposes of war. It was very clear to all think- 
ing men that such a system of administration could not be 
permanent, and that, being the growth of a sudden neces- 
sity, it must perish when the exigencies that called it into 
existence, had passed away. 

Yet, after the return of peace, an attempt was made to 
continue the government of the confederation. Money for 
public purposes was raised by congress in annual requisi- 
tions upon the states, while each state collected its own 
revenue by taxation, customs, &c. Endeavors also were 
made to establish relations with foreign countries by the 
authority of congress. John Adams was sent as American 
minister to the court of Great Britain, in 1785, but although 
he was amicably received, it was found impossible to effect 
a commercial treaty or to raise a loan, as the government 
of the states had no efficient head or proper organization. 
The defects of the government soon began to be felt in 
commercial embarrassments and financial perplexities. 
Foreign trade decliued, money was scarce, property of 
every kind depreciated in value, and the country sunk into 
wide-spread and deep distress. A treaty of amity and 
commerce was arranged between Prussia and the United 
States, in 1785, but, from the causes above specified, it led 
to no perceptible benefit to the country. 

Before the army was disbanded, the officers instituted a 
society, at their camp on the Hudson, designed to perpetu- 
ate the friendship they had mutually coutracted in their 
warfare for liberty. In honor of the Roman patriot, Cin- 
cinnatus, who, after leading his countrymen to victory, 
retired voluntarily to his farm, they named it the Society 
of Cincinnati. The principle of hereditary transmission 
was adopted, and the "Order of the Cincinnati" was to 
descend to ti.'i eldest son of each member, in regular suc- 
cession, like i> 1 order of nobility. So wide a departure 
from republican notions, raised a serious clamor, not only in 
America, but among liberal men in Europe. Much public 
discussion was the consequence, and the genius of Mira- 
beau was called forth in an essay against the hereditary 
principle of the Cincinnati. So strong a disapprobation 
46 



542 THE CONFEDERATION. 

caused the society to abolish this anti-republican feature 
of their constitution, and very few members of the " Order 
of Cincinnati" are in existence at this day, — sixty years 
from its foundation. 

The unsettled state of public affairs soon led to domestic 
troubles. The New England states being the most densely 
peopled, felt most deeply the pressure of the times. New 
Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut were agitated 
by the most alarming symptoms of discontent. In Massa- 
chusetts the troubles were exasperated to a public and 
hostile outbreak, known as Shays' rebellion. Seditious 
movements were made in the western counties, where the 
people imagined the courts of law to be an insufferable 
grievance. Inflammatory writings were circulated, tu- 
multuous assemblies held, and at length tiie malecontents 
found a leader in Daniel Shays, a minor officer in the revo- 
lutionary army. He collected an armed body of several 
thousand men, at Springfield, in the winter of 17SG, who 
threatened to march to Boston, and, by compulsory mea- 
sures, to oblige the general court to redress the grievances 
of the people, which ihey alleged were brought upon them 
by enormous taxation and other severities. They, how- 
ever, thought proper to send forward a petition, instead of 
marching, sword ui hand, to the capital ; which, had they 
done in a prompt and unscrupulous manner, there seems 
little doubt they would have taken possession of Boston, 
and dispersed the legislature. 

Shays, however, possessed none of the qualities for a 
revolutionary leader. He made a feeble attempt upon the 
arsenal at Springfield, on the 2;")th of January, 1787, but 
General Shepard, who commanded a body of militia 
stationed to guard it, dispersed the whole band of insur- 
gents by a single discharge of cannon. Meantime, the 
militia of the eastern counties were called o it by Governor 
Bowdoin, and placed under the command of General 
Lincoln. The insurgents, with Shays at their head, took 
possession of a hill at Pelliam. Lincoln marched against 
them, and Shays, finding his condition desperate, attempted 
to open a negotiation. He had a force of two tljousand 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 1787. 643 

men about the 1st of February, but, after a few weeks, 
they began to abandon him, and Lincohi, being reinforced, 
advanced to the attack. Shays retreated, and was pursued 
through a most severe snow-storm, and, at Petersham, 
Lincohi overtook him and put his whole force to the rovit. 
Some other skirmishes took place during the latter part of 
February, but the rebels were entirely defeated, and Shays 
was driven out of the state. Tranquillity was restored in 
a few weeks, and Shays, some time afterward, received a 
pardon from the government. 

Every judicious man in the country now saw the neces- 
sity of a new form of general government for the states. 
The first proposal of a federal system was made by Mr. 
Madison, hi the legislature of Virginia. This proposal was 
encouraged by men of influence in every quarter of the 
country, and was received with such general favor as to 
bring forth a resolution in congress, recommending a con- 
vention of delegates to be held at Philadelphia, on the 
second Monday in May, 1787, for the purpose of remodel- 
ing the government. Accordingly, delegates were chosen 
by all the states, and met in convention at the time and 
place appointed. Washington was president of the con- 
vention. The labors of that important assembly continued 
through four months; but as the debates were carried on with 
closed doors, we have lost a most valuable and interesting 
portion of our history. At length the Constitution of the 
United States was completed — that scheme of govern- 
ment, under which the American republic arose to wealth, 
power and national glory, with a rapidity unexampled in 
the history of the world. 

Yet this noblest and wisest political institution that 
mankind had yet seen, found its enemies. The ajili-fed- 
eralists, or opponents of the constitution, formed a strong 
party. With some, this opposition arose from a sincere 
apprehension of the danger of a consolidated federal gov- 
ernment, with a single chief, who, it was feared, would be 
too much of a king. Even the sagacious Patrick Henry 
declared that the constitution had " an awful squinting 
towards monarchy ! " Others opposed it from the mero 



544 



THE C0>.' FEDERATION. 



spint of contradiction, or a factious desire to perpetuate 
the troubles and perplexities of the old system, as desperate 
men find most profit in desperate times. But the federal- 
ists were much the stronger party, and. fortunately for the 
country, their superior talents, intluence and respectability 
brought the minds of the people to incline decidedly in favor 
of the federal constitution. John Adams, residing in Lon- 
don as American minister, published, in 17S7, a most able 
work, entitled " Defence of the American Constitution." 
Madison, Hamilton and Jay wrote the " Federalist," a 
scries of essays, displaying, with great acutcness, the ex- 
cellencies of the new s)"stem. These writings had a pow- 
erful etfect, and before the 14th of July, 17SS, ten of the 
states pronounced in favor of it, and on that day it was 
ratified by congress, and the American Republic was es- 
tablished. The remaining states shortly after joined the 
federal union. New York acceded on the 2(ith of July, 
178S, North Carolina, in November, 1789, and Rhode 
Island, in May, 1790. It had been settled that the con- 
stitution should go into operation on the 4th of March, 1789. 
All the elections were held the year previous. 



^ 

^^i^ 

«*"-'- 




• Inauguration of ]\'i!sht>!^hm. 

There could be but one voice as to the man who shoxil 1 
receive the honor of being the first president of the United 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. — 1789. 545 

States. George Washington was chosen unanimously. 
John Adams was vice-president. Washington felt great 
reluctance at accepting the powers and responsibilities of 
so high an office, but the wish of his countrymen was to 
him a command. The first congress was convened at 
New York, on the 4th of March, and proceeded without 
delay to raise a revenue by imposing duties on importa- 
tions; to constitute a federal judiciary by establishing a 
supreme court; to organize the executive administration, 
by creating the departments of war, foreign aflairs and the 
treasury. Jeiferson was appointed secretary of state; 
Hamilton, secretary of the treasury ; and General Knox, 
secretary at war. It must strike the reader as most re- 
markable, that the American republic, which, in a few 
short years, was destined to become a first-rate naval 
power, and to carry her flag to the most remote corners of 
the ocean, did not at this period possess a single ship of 
war. There was, of course, no navy department. After 
the adjournment of congress, the president made a tour 
through New England, where he was received by the in- 
habitants with an afiiiction bordering on adoration. People 
of all classes crowded to behold tlie man whose virtues 
and talents exalted him, in their view, above the heroes of 
ancient and modern times ; and to present to him the uu- 
dissembled homage of their grateful hearts. But to none 
did his visit give more exquisite pleasure than to the offi- 
cers and soldiers of the " patriot army," who had been his 
companions in suffering and in victory ; who were endeared 
to him by their bravery and fidelity in war, and by the 
magnanimity with which, in peace, they endured unmer- 
ited neglect and poverty. 

At the next session of congress, which commenced in 
January, 1790, Mr. Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury, 
made his celebrated report upon the public debts con- 
tracted during the revolutionary war. Taking an able and 
enlarged view of the advantages of public credit, he recom- 
mended that not only the debts of the continental congress, 
but those of the states, arising from their exertions in the 
common cause, should be funded or assumed by the gen- 

4G* 



546 THE CONFEDERATION. 

eral government ; and that provision should be made for 
paying the interest, by imposing taxes on certain articles 
of hixury, and on spirits distilled within the country. 
Upon this report, an animated debate took place. Its re- 
commendations were opposed by that party who had seen, 
or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many fea- 
tures hostile to freedom, and who remembered that Mr. 
Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had pro- 
posed that the president and senate should be appointed to 
hold their offices during good behavior. They now ex- 
pressed their fears that the assumption of these debts 
would render the government still stronger, by drawing 
around it a numerous and powerful body of public credi- 
tors, who, in all the contests with the states or the people, 
would be bound, by the strongest of all tics, that of inter- 
est, to support it, whether right or wrong. This party, 
existing principally in the southern states, and professing 
an ardent attachment to the equal rights of man, took the 
name of republican. Mr. Madison proposed that when- 
ever the public securities had been transferred, the highest 
price which they had borne in the market should be paid 
to the purchaser, and the residue to the original holder. 
After an eloquent debate, this proposition was rejected. 
The party denominated federal, and existing principally 
in the northern states, supported tliroughout, Avith great 
ability and force of reasoning, the plans of the secretary ; 
but, on taking the vote in the house of representatives, they 
were rejected by a majority of two. 

Afterwards tiiis national rneasure was connected, as is 
too frequently the case in legislative bodies, with one 
which had excited much local feeling. It was understood 
that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten years 
at Philadelphia, and afterwards pormanetitly at a place to 
be selected on the Potomac, some southern members would 
withdraAv their opposition to the funding system. A law 
to that etfect was accordingly enacted. The former dis- 
cussion was then resumed. The plans of the secretary 
were adopted in the senate, and afterwards in the house; 
iwo members representing districts on the Potomac chang- 



Washington's administration. — 1791. 547 

iiig their votes. The debt funded amounted to a Uttle 
more than seventy-five millions of dollars ; upon a part of 
wliich three per cent, and upon the remainder six per 
cent, interest Avas to be paid. The effect of this measure 
was great and rapid. The price of the public paper, which 
had fallen to twelve or fifteen cents on the dollar, suddenly- 
rose to the sum expressed on the face of it. This difier- 
encc was gained, in most instances, by purchasers of the 
securities, who, feelhig indebted, for this immense acces- 
sion of wealth, to the plans of the secretary, regarded him 
with enthusiastic attachment. But in others, this wealth, 
suddenly acquired without merit, excited envy and dissat- 
isfaction. These joined the republican party, who, fancy- 
ing they were witnessing the fullilment of their predictions, 
became more active in their opposition. 

The recommendation of the secretary, to impose addi-" 
tional duties, was not acted upon until the next session of 
congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in order 
to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the Alle- 
gany mountains, where no other spirits were consumed, 
equal to those of the inhabilants on the sea-coast, who 
consumed most of the articles on which an impost duty 
was paid. In the beginning of the year 1791, they were 
laid as proposed. A national bank, recommended also by 
the same officer, was in the same year incorporated. Both 
measures met a violent opposition. 

In 1791, Vermont adopted the constitution, and applied 
to congress to be admitted into the Union. The territory 
of this state, situated between New Hampshire and New 
York, was claimed by both, and both had made grants of 
land within its limits. In 1777, the inhabitants, refusing 
to submit to either, declared themselves independent. Al- 
though not represented in the continental congress, yet, 
during the war, they embraced the cause of their brethren 
in the other states, and to them their aid was often rendered, 
and was always efficient. Agreeably to their request, an 
act was now passed, constituting Vermont one of the mem- 
bers of the Union. An act was also passed, declaring that 
the district of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be 



648 THE CONFEDERATION. 

admitted into the Union on the 1st day of June, in the suc- 
ceeding year. 

In 1791, was completed the first census or enumeration 
of the inhabitants of the United States. They amounted 
to 3,921,326, of which number 695,655 were slaves. The 
revenue, according to the report of the secretary of the 
treasury, amoimted to $4,771,000; tlie exports to about 
nineieon, and the imports to about twenty millions. A 
great improvement in the circumstances of tlie people be- 
gan, at this period, to be visible. The establishment of a 
firm and regular government, and confidence in the men 
whom they had chosen to administer it, gave an impulse 
to their exertions, which bore them rapidly forward in the 
career of prosperity. 

In 1790, a termination was put to the war, which, for 
several years, had raged between the Creek Indians and 
the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also made to 
the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the Scioto and 
the Wabash. These being rejected, an army of fourteen 
hundred men, commanded by General Harnier, was de- 
spatched against them. Two battles were fought near 
Chilicothe, in Ohio, between successive detachments from 
this army and the Indians, in which the latter were vic- 
torious. Emboldened by these successes, they made more 
vigorous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which suf- 
fered all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. Ad- 
ditional troops were raised, and the command of the whole 
was given to General St. Clair. With near two thousand 
men, he marched, in October, 1791, into the \vilderness. 
By desertion and detachments, this force was reduced to 
fourteen hundred men. On the 3d of November, they 
encamped a few miles from the villages on the Miami, 
intending to remain there until joined by those who were 
absent. But, before sunrise the next morning, just after 
the troops were dismissed from the parade, they were 
attacked unexpectedly by the Indians. The new levies, 
who were in front, rushed back in confusion upon the reg- 
ulars. These, who had been hastily formed, were thrown 
into disorder. They, however, with great intrepidity, 




NeioporL, R. 1. 




White Mountains. 




Henry Clay. 




Richard M. Johnson. 



DEFEAT OF GENERAL ST. CLAIR. — 1791. 549 

advanced into the midst of the enemy, who retired from 
covert to covert, keeping always beyond reach, and again 
returning as soon as the troops were recalled from pursuit. 
In these charges, many brave and experienced officers 
were killed ; the loss of men was also great, and no perma- 
nent impression was made upon the enemy. At length, 
after a contest of three or four hours, St. Clair, whoso ill- 
health disabled him from performing the active duties of 
commander, determined to withdraw from the field the 
remnant of his troops. The instant that the directions to 
retire were given, a disQrderly fliglit commenced. Fortu- 
nately for the survivors, the victorious Indians were soon 
recalled from pursuit, to the camp, by their avidity for 
plimdcr; and the vanquished continued their retreat un- 
mol(;sted to the frontier settlements. In this battle, tlie 
numbers engaged on both sides were supposed to be equal. 
Of the whites, the slaughter was almost beyond example. 
Six hundred and thirty were killed and missing, and two 
hundred and sixty were wounded, — a loss which proves 
at once the obstinacy of the defence and the bravery of 
the assailants. 

On receiving information of this disaster, congress, re- 
solving to prosecute the war witli increased vigor, made 
provision for augmenting, by enlistment, the miUtary force 
of the nation to fi,ve thousand men. This force was put 
imdcr the command of General Wayne. He advanced into 
the Indian territory, in the autumn of 1793, and erected a 
fortification on the spot wliere St. Clair had been defeated, 
which he named Fort Recovery. The season was too far 
advanced for military operations, and he wintered in the 
neighborhood. The early part of the summer was spent 
in attempts to negotiate with the enemy, and cautious 
movements on the part of the Americans. At length, on 
the 8th of August, 1794, he reached the rapids of the 
Miami, with a force of three thousand men, and marched 
down the stream to meet the enemy, who were strongly 
posted in a fortification, skirted by a thick wood and the 
rocky bank of the Miami, where they had collected two 
thousand strong. Wayne attacked them on the 20th of 



550 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



August. After an obstinate battle of an hour, the Indians 
were defeated and driven from their fort with great loss. 




Wayne^s victory over the Indians. 

In the neighborhood of the battle-field was a strong fort, 
garrisoned by British troops, although far within the 
American limits. This fortification, with several others, 
the British continued to hold, on the plea that the United 
States had failed to execute some articles of the treaty of 
1783 ; and it was supposed that the Indjan hostilities were 
owing to the intrigues of British agents at these po.sis. 
The defeated savages fled from Wayne's army into the 
shelter of a wood under the guns of this fort, where it was 
found impossible to dislodge them. Wayne laid waste the 
Indian towns and cornfields, and completely broke the 
power of the Indians. On the 3d of August, 1795, a treaty 
was agreed upon at Greenville, which established peace, 
and restored the frontiers to tranquillity. 

Although the general operation of the federal constitu- 
tion had been highly successful, yet there were some excep- 
tions. The state of Pennsylvania had shown symptoms 
of discontent for three or four years ; and a seditious man- 
ifestation took place in 1794, called the Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion. The anti-federal party had been strong in this 



FRENCH REVOLUTION. — 1793. 551 

quarter ; but the chief opposition arose against an act of 
congress, imposing a duty on the distillation of spirits. 
The opposition grew to such a height, that, in 1794, the 
law was publicly set at defiance. The revenue officers 
were obstructed in the execution of their duty, and the 
marshal was shot at by a body of armed men. Houses 
were attacked and burnt, and furious outrages perpetrated. 
The government took prompt and decisive measures to 
quell the insurrection. The militia of Pennsylvania and 
the neighboring states were raised and marched against 
the rioters. They fled without striking another blow, and 
tranquillity was speedily restored. 

In the mean time the French revolution had broken out, 
and information was received of the declaration of war by 
France against England and Holland. The United States 
were greatly interested for the success of France, which 
had assisted us during our revolution. The French people, 
at the same time, regarded the Americans as their brethren, 
bound to them by the ties of gratitude ; and when the kings 
of Europe, dreading the establishment of republicanism in 
her borders, assembled in arms to restore monarchy to 
France, she looked across the Atlantic for sympathy and 
assistance. The new government, recalling the minister 
whom the king had appointed, despatched the citizen 
Genet, of ardent temper, and a zealous republican, to sup- 
ply his place. In April, 1793, he arrived at Charleston, in 
South Carolina, where he was received by the governor 
and the citizens in a cordial manner. At his first landing, 
he proceeded to acts violating the rules of international 
law, by commissioning armed vessels from Charleston to 
cruise against the British. This was promptly resented 
by the British minister at Philadelphia, who complained 
of Genet's proceedings, and Washington sent instructions, 
accompanied with rules for the observation of neutrality, 
to the governors of all the states. Genet, mistaking the 
character both of his own office and of the American peo- 
ple-, attempted to excite a popular clamor against Wash- 
ington. He issued the most absurd and extravagant 
mflammatory publications, addressed to the passions of the 



652 THE CONFEDERATION. 

people, and actually called upon them to resist the author- 
ity of their government. In this outrageous proceeding he 
was seconded by all the wild, ignorant and senseless dem- 
agogues in the country. His language toward the govern- 
ment became so insolent that Washington refused to hold 
any farther intercourse with him, and the French govern- 
ment were obliged to call him home. 

In 1794, the navigation of the Mississippi was secured 
to the United States by a treaty with Spain, concluded by 
Mr. Pinckney, American envoy at Madrid. Mr. Adams 
had returned from England, and Mr. Jay had succeeded 
him as American minister in the same year. He effected 
a commercial treaty with Great Britain, which proved very 
beneficial to the country, although it excited great clamors 
at the moment. By this treaty, all the American posts 
occupied by the British were given up, and a general 
settlement of all disputes between the two countries was 
concluded. 

Washington, who had been reelected president in 1792, 
now signified his determination to retire from political life, 
and John Adams was chosen to succeed him. He entered 
upon his office in March, 1797. The relations of the 
United States with France now assumed a hostile com- 
plexion. Genet's successors, Fauchet and Adet, practised 
intrigues and manoeuvres inconsistent with their diplomatic 
character. The language of the French Directory was 
overbearing and insolent, and at length they issued orders 
for the capture of American vessels, on the ground that 
they had permitted themselves to be searched by British 
cruisers. Hostilities immediately broke out. There was 
no formal declaration of war by congress, but the govern- 
ment issued an order for the capturing of all armed French 
vessels. On the 9th of February, 1799, the American 
frigate ^Constellation, of thirty-six guns, commanded by 
Captain Truxton, being on a cruise among the West India 
Islands, fell in with the French frigate I'lnsurgcnte, of forty 
guns, and captured her, after an engagement of an hour and 
a quarter. The Insurgente was much superior in force to 
her antagonist. On the 1st day of February, 1800, the 



DEATH OF WASHINGTON. — 1799. 553 

Constellation fought another hattle with the French frigate 
La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns. After a most obstinate 
and bloody engagement of above four hours, the French 
ship was silenced, but a squall suddenly springing up, 
enabled her to escape, and she arrived at Curasao in a 
shattered condition, with one hundred and sixty men killed 
and wounded. 

The spirit of the country was completely roused by the 
insults of the French government. Preparations were 
made for raising an army, and Wasliington was appointed 
commander-in-chief The United States, in arms at home 
and victorious on the ocean, commanded the respect of 
their enemy. The directory made overtures of peace. 
The president immediately appointed ministers, who, on 
their arrival at Paris, found the executive authority in the 
possession of Bonaparte as first consul. They were 
promptly accredited, and, in September, 1800, a treaty was 
concluded satisfactory to both countries. 

While this negotiation was in progress, the whole Ameri- 
can people were overwhelmed with sorrow, by the sudden 
death of the father of his country. On the 14th of Decem- 
ber, 1799, after an illness of one day only, Washington ex- 
pired. Intelligence of this event, as it rapidly spread, pro- 
duced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected grief, suspending 
every other thought, and absorbing every different feeling. 
Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immediately 
adjourned. On assembling the next day, the house of 
representatives resolved "that the speaker's chair should 
be shrouded in black, and the members wear black during 
the session ; and that a joint committee should be appointed 
to devise the most suitable manner of paying honor to the 
memory of the MAN, first in war, first in peace, and first 
in the hearts of his countrymen." 

The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed a 
letter of condolence to the president of the United States. 
"This event," they observe, "so distressing to all our 
fellow-citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, who 
have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. 
Permit us, sir, to- mingle our tears with yours. On this 

47 



554 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



occasion, it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at 
such a crisis, is no common calamity to. the world. Our 
country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of 
human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor 
and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to 
HIM who maketh darkness his pavilion, 

"With patriotic pride we review the life of our WASH- 
INGTON, and compare him with those of other countries 
who have been preeminent in fame. Ancient and modern 
names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt 
have too often been allied; but his fame is whiter than it 
is brilliant. The destroyer of nations stood abashed at the 
majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance of 
their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

" Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God, 
his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on earth 
in his spotless example — his spirit is in heaven. Let his 
countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general, 
the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage; let them 
teach their children never to forget that the fruits of his 
labors and of his example are their inheritance.^^ 




ToTnb of Waskingion. 



CONGRESS REMOVES TO WASHINGTON. 1800. 



555 



Agreeably to the report of the committee, and the unani- 
mous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved from 
the legislative hall to the German Lutheran church, where 
an oration was delivered by General Lee, a representative 
from Virginia. The procession was grand and solemn, the 
oration impressive and eloquent. Throughout the Union 
similar marks of affliction Avcre exhibited. A whole be- 
reaved people appeared in mourning. In every part of 
the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and the best 
talents of the nation were devoted to an expression of the 
nation's grief 

In 1800, congress removed from Philadelphia to a place 
which had been previously selected ; and public buildings 
were erected on the Potomac, a few miles above Mount 
Vernon, to which the name of Wasliington was given, and 
congress commenced its session for the first time at this 
place in November. 




CHAPTER XL. 

Jefferson's Administration. — Purchase of Lojiisiana — Commercial 
(iJJ'nirs — War icilh Tripoli — Destruction of the frigate Phi/adr/jihia — 
March of General F.aton from Egypt — Capture of Derne — Peace irith 
Tripoli — Affairs with Spain — Purr's conspiracy — Pc'ehctinn of Jr/fer- 
son — Troubles with Great Britain — Attack on the Chesapeake — Singu- 
lar effects of this outrage — Depredations upon American commerce — 
Paper blockades — Napoleon^ s Berlin decree — The British orders in 
council — Mr. Jefferson's gun-boat system — The embargo — Non-inter- 
course ivith England — Madison elected president — Erskine^s mission — 
Affair of the President and Little Belt — Revocation of the Berlin and 
Milan decrees and the British orders in council. 

Towards the close of Mr. Adams' administration, party 
spirit had risen to an unusual height in the United States. 
A violent struggle succeeded, at the election of president, 
between the federal and democratic party. Mr. Adams 
had lost his popularity, and no choice M'^as made by the 
people. When the election came to the house of represen- 
tatives, in consequence of an original provision of the con- 
stitution, which has since been amended, thirty-six ballot- 
ings took place in the house of representatives, before the 
president was chosen. At length, Thomas Jefferson was 
chosen president, and Aaron Burr vice-president. They 
entered upon their offices amid the heat of high party 
dissensions, in March, 1801. 

The most important event of Mr. Jefferson's administra- 
tion, was the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States. 
This country, which the Spaniards had recently conveyed 
to the French, comprised also an immense extent of terri- 
tory, out of which have since been formed the states of Ar- 
kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and the unsettled territories 
of the west. In 1803, the United States purchased it of 



WAR WITH TRIPOLI. 1801. 



557 



France, for fifteen millions of dollars, — a very small sum, 
considering the intrinsic value of the territory. Yet this 
transaction was loudly condemned at the time, by short- 
sighted people, as an extravagant waste of the public 
money. 




Jefferson. 



During Mr. Jefferson's administration, the United States 
became involved in hostilities with one of the Barbary 
powers. The bashaw of Tripoli, as early as 1799, de- 
manded the payment of a tribute from the United States, 
and, being refused, his cruisers captured several American 
vessels. Hostilities immediately commenced against that 
piratical power, although the United States possessed only 
a small number of ships of war. In August, 1801, the 
United States schooner Enterprise, Captain Sterrett, fell in 
with a Tripolitan cruiser off Malta, and, after an obstinate 
action of two hours, captured her. Captain Sterrett's instruc- 
tions did not allow him to make a prize of the vessel ; accord- 
ingly, after cutting away her masts and throwing her guns 
overboard, he gave her up to the crew, leaving them sail 
and rigging sufficient to carry them into port. From this 
time till 1803. the United States kept several ships of war 
in the Mediterranean, and some small actions took place 
off Tripoli. 

The American navy had now received some slight aug- 
mentation. In 1794, a vote was passed in congress, to 

47# 



558 



JEFFERSON S ADMINISTRATION. 



build six frigates, and before many years they were built. 
These were the Constitution, the President, the United 
States, the Constellation, the Congress, and the Chesa- 
peake. There were added, also, a few brigs and schoon- 
ers. The government now resolved to see what could be 
done to chastise the Barbary pirates. In August, 1803, 
Commodore Preble was despatched with a squadron, con- 
sisting of the Constitution and Philadelphia frigates, the 
Argus, Siren and Nautilus brigs, and tlic Vixen and En- 
terprise schooners. On their arrival otf Tripoli, the Phila- 
delphia, in chasing a vessel into port, struck on a rock, and, 
before she could be got otf, was surrounded by the Tripoli- 
tan gun-boats and compelled to surrender. On a change 
of wind she was set afloat and towed into the harbor of 
Tripoli. The remainder of the squadron bore away for 
Syracuse. 

As none of the TripoUtan cruisers dared venture out of 




Burning of the Philadelphia. 



port while the American squadron was in the Mediterra- 
nean, a scheme was projected to venture boldly into the 



WAR WITH TRIPOLI. 1804. 659 

harbor of Tripoli, and cut out the Philadelphia, or set her 
on fire. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur offered to conduct 
this hazardous undertaking in a small schooner, with sev- 
enty-six men. He sailed from Syracuse, accompanied by 
the brig Siren. On the 16th of February, 1804, they arrived 
off Tripoli. The schooner entered the harbor at night, and 
ran alongside the Philadelphia, before it was discovered 
that she was an enemy. Decatur, with a select body of 
seamen, boarded her, sword in hand, soon cleared her 
decks, and gained entire possession of the ship. The cas- 
tle, the batteries and the Tripolitan flotilla opened a tre- 
mendous fire upon them, and the harbor was soon covered 
with launches approaching to the rescue ; but Decatur and 
liis men set fire to the Philadelphia, and escaped to sea 
without loss. 

This daring enterprise having been successfully accom- 
plished, Commodore Preble proceeded to bombard the city. 
For several successive daj^s, in August, the town was can- 
nonaded, and assaults were made on the shipping in the 
port. The Tripolitan batteries mounted one hundred and 
fifty guns, and the town was defended by an army of forty- 
live thousand Arabs. The enemy sustained much damage, 
and several of their gun-boats were captured. An attempt 
was made, on the 16th of September, to blow up the castle 
and batteries by a fire-ship, the Intrepid, which was loaded 
with a hundred barrels of powder, and three hundred 
shells. This vessel, in charge of Lieutenants Wadsworth, 
Somers and Israel, proceeded into the harbor under cover 
of night. The design was to set fire to the train on ap- 
proaching close to the enemy's quarters, while the crew 
escaped in a boat. Before this could be done, two galleys, 
of one hundred men each, suddenly shot alongside the 
Intrepid, and she instantly blew up, with the most terrible 
efiect, destroying both her crew and enemies. It is not 
known whether this dreadful catastrophe happened by 
accident or design. 

The Tripolitan war still lingered on. The American 
naval force was insufficient to reduce the city, and all 
negotiations with the bashaw were without effect. In this 



560 Jefferson's administration. 

emergency the Americans resorted to a new expedient. 
Hamet, the former bashaw, had been dethroned and ex- 
pelled by his brother, and was now an exile in Upper 
Egypt. General William Eaton was despatched to nego- 
tiate with him, in the hopes of gaining him over to the 
Americans. Hamet commanded an army of Mamelukes, 
then at war with the Turkish government. Eaton brought 
him into his plan. Hamet furnished the American general 
with a strong body of Arabs, well mounted, and seventy 
Greek soldiers. With this force, Eaton left Alexandria, on 
the 6th of March, 1805, for an expedition across the sandy 
desert of Barca, into the Tripolitan territory. In a march 
of a thousand miles, the troops endured an immense degree 
of peril and suffering, and, on the 25th of April, arrived 
before the town of Derne, under the government of the 
bashaw. The barbarian chief meantime had received 
intelligence of Eaton's expedition, and was hastening with 
an army to the relief of Derne. Eaton, at his arrival, 
learnt that the bashaw was within a day's march. For- 
tunately the American squadron arrived in the bay of 
Derne at that precise moment. No time was to be lost ; 
the town was siunmoned to surrender ; but the command- 
ant returned for reply, "My head, or yours!" Eaton 
stormed the walls on the 27th, and Derne was taken by 
as strange an armament as ever fought under an American 
flag — Arab cavalry, Greek infantry, and American marines 
and sailors. The Tripolitan forces were completely routed, 
and Eaton fortified himself in the town. 

The bashaw experienced considerable delay on his 
march, and it was the ISth of May before he arrived with 
his army before the walls of Derne, where Hamet had set 
up his government. He immediately assaulted the place, 
but, after a contest of four hours, was repulsed, and with- 
drew to the mountains, although his troops outnumbered 
their opponents ten to one. Many skirmishes followed, 
and, on the 10th of June, another general battle was 
fought. The small American vessels in the harbor kept 
up a well-directed fire, and checked every advance of the 
Tripolitans. The next day the Constitution arrived, and 



BURe's conspiracy. 1806. 561 

struck such terror into the enemy that they fled instantly 
to the desert, leaving most of their haggage behind them. 

Many other skirmishes ensued, and the war was con- 
tinued till June, when the hashaw, finding it impossible to 
expel the Americans from his territory, and too hazardous 
to venture his ships to sea, thought best to come to terms. 
A treaty was accordingly concluded between him and Mr. 
Lear, the American agent, by which the American cap- 
tives were ransomed for sixty thousand dollars, and 
Hamet was left to shift for himself It is generally thought 
that, had the management of affairs been left to Eaton, 
the war would have been closed in a manner much more 
profitable and honorable to the United States. 

The conduct of the British and Spanish governments, at 
this period, indicated no very friendly disposition towards 
America, and tliere was a portion of our citizens who con- 
tended that war would be justifiable against Spain; while 
another portion urged a suspension of commercial inter- 
course with England, in retaliation for her aggressions. 
This unsettled state of affairs continued for some time, and 
proved very embarrassing to commercial enterprise, and 
highly exciting to political parties. A declaration of war, 
by the United States, against either of these powers, never- 
theless, would have been a rash and desperate deed ; and 
while there was any hope of success in negotiation, it was 
preferable to avoid hostilities. The controversy with 
Spain respecting the territory formerly occupied by that 
nation, was the cause of an expedition on the Mississippi, 
which, though professedly harmless to the United States, 
gave the country much alarm, in 1806, and led many peo- 
ple to apprehend a design to dissolve the Union. The 
citizens of Kentucky and Tennessee had been complaining, 
for more than two years, of Spanish aggression, and seemed 
on the point of breaking out into acts of hostility. Some 
were so highly excited as to threaten to form a separate 
government in the valley of the Mississippi. A wide field 
was thus j>resented to the ambition of Aaron Burr, who 
was vice-president of the United States from 180(J to 1804, 
and who had lost the confidence of both the great political 



662 Jefferson's administration. 

parties of the country. Nothing could allay his appetite for 
intrigue and notoriety. He became involved in a quarrel 
with Alexander Hamilton, which resulted in a duel, and 
Hamilton fell by the hand of Burr, in June, 1804. From 
that moment Burr was totally ruined in his political fortunes, 
and his reckless ambition drove him to desperate measures. 

He travelled into the western parts of the United States, 
in 1805 and 1806, and acquainted himself accurately with 
the state of public feeling there, and the resources Avhich 
that region offered for the accomplishment of his design. 
He professed, as yet, no specific object, and possibly had 
not matured his plans. To different persons he made dif- 
ferent declarations, but it was generally understood that 
his plan was to raise an army and invade Mexico. This, 
perhaps, was a cover to a more dangerous design ; for it is 
supposed that his ultimate purpose was to erect an inde- 
pendent government in the valley of the Mississippi, com- 
posed of the western states and territories, and the newly 
acquired region of Louisiana, which contained a hetero- 
geneous population, at that time in a state of great discon- 
tent. If this plan did not succeed, a blow was to be struck 
upon Mexico. The full extent of Burr's projects never 
was known, but many individuals in Washington, Phila- 
delphia, New York, and other places, had knowledge of 
his designs, to which the public was a stranger. The 
mystery which attended all his proceedings gave great 
alarm. The president had early intelligence that some- 
thing of a treasonable aspect was going forward, and he 
took measiu'cs for watching the movements of Burr. He 
wrote to the governor of Louisiana, and to the commander 
of the United States troops in that quarter, to be on their 
guard against his machinations. 

All this while Burr avowed no treasonable or hostile 
intentions. He even pretended that the president was 
privy to his designs. His associates also avowed that 
General Wilkinson, who commanded the United States 
troops at New Orleans, was a party to all his schemes. 
Burr's first object appears to have been, to take possession 
of New Orleans, and there to collect a sufficient number 



• burr's conspiracy. 1809. 563 

of discontented and unscrupulous adventurers to maintain 
himself in arms against the federal authority, which, at 
such a distance, he supposed could not act against him 
with any promptness and effect. In the latter part of 1806, 
Burr collected a body of his adherents on the Ohio. Many 
persons of respectability and influence joined his standard, 
some of whom, probably, were not made acquainted with 
the extent of his undertaking. Having furnished his band 
with military stores and provisions, he proceeded down the 
river, declaring, in some places, a design of invading 
Mexico, and, in others, asserting that he was authorized by 
the president to keep the Spaniards in order, who remained 
on the territories of the United States. The number of his 
actual followers was not large, but it was said that he had 
several thousand men in readiness to join him on due 
notice. 

But the mystery with which he shrouded his whole 
scheme, soon caused it to miscarry. Many of his followers 
became alarmed at the dark rumors and insinuations which 
prevailed respecting the designs of their leader. Few of 
them knew, precisely, on what sort of an enterprise they 
were proceeding, and the unknown dangers of it assumed, 
every moment, a more portentous aspect. One by one 
his followers fell off. Some of his agents and correspond- 
ents were arrested at New Orleans, and sent to Washington 
for examination. His friends attempted to represent the 
matter as unimportant, and no part of the secret could be 
got out of them. But the suspicion was now general ; the 
public authorities were vigilant, and before Burr could 
reach "New Orleans, he was arrested and sent to Virginia. 
He was put on trial for treason before the supreme court 
of the United States, at Richmond, in August, 1807. His 
confidential friends, who were few, revealed none of his 
secrets, and, as no legal proof could be obtained of any 
overt treasonable act committed by him, he was acquitted. 
The mystery of the affair has never been cleared up to the 
present day, and " Burr's conspiracy" is destined to exer- 
cise the ingenuity of many a historian and romancer, in 
time to come. After this affair, the ambitious, restless, 



564 Jefferson's administration. 

and intriguing Aaron Burr, who, had his lot been cast (m 
the other side of the Atlantic, might have gained a crown, 
sunk into complete obscurity, and passed a long life in 
retirement, abandoned and forgotten by the whole world. 
Although acquitted by a jury, the people believed hira 
guilty ; and, by their desertion and contempt, he was re- 
duced to a condition of the most abject wretchedness. 
The ease with which his plans were defeated, demon- 
strated the strength of the government: and his fate will 
ever be an impressive warning to those who. in a free 
country, listen to the suggestions of criminal ambition. 

Mr. Jetferson was reelected president in 1S04. Party 
spirit had abated none of its fierceness ; and the Americans 
almost universally took sides in the contest then raging 
between France and England. The right of searching 
American ships and impressing British sailors from them, 
had been strongly insisted on by the British; and this 
right, although in the highest degree repugnant to the feel- 
ings of tiie American people, had not been contested by the 
treaty of 1794. Such a license could not fail to be scanda- 
lously abused by the British cruisers, who were then the 
undisputed lords of the ocean. It was not long before a 
gross and wanton outrage was perpetrated by the British 
upon the American liag. On tiie 22d of Jime, 1S07, the 
American frigate Chesapeake, Captain Barron, sailed from 
Norfolk on a voyage to Europe. Not apprehending hostil- 
ities, she was in an impertect state of equipment. She 
passed the British ships Bellona and Melampus. lying in 
Lynnhaven bay. whose appearance was friendly. There 
were two other British ships that lay otY Cape Henry, one 
of which, the Leopard, a heavy frigate, weighed anchor, 
and in a few hours came alongside the Chesapeake. 

A British officer immediately went on board, and de- 
manded certain deserters from the British squadron, said 
to be on board the Chesapeake. To this, Captain Barron 
replied, that he did not know of any being there, and that 
his duty forbade him to allow of any muster of his crew, 
except by their own officers. During this interview, Bar- 
ron noticed some proceedings of a hostile nature on board 



ATTACK ON THE FRIGATE CHESAPEAKE. — 1807. 565 

the adverse ship, but he could not be persuaded that any- 
thing but menace was intended by them. When the Brit- 
ish officer departed, he gave orders to clear his gun deck, 
and, after some time, he directed the men to their quarters 
secretly, and without beat of drum; still, however, with- 
out any serious apprehensions of an attack. Before these 
orders could be executed, the Leopard commenced a heavy 
fire ; which, unfortunately, was very destructive. In about 
thirty minutes, the hull, rigging, and spars of the Chesa- 
peake were greatly damaged ; three men were killed, and 
sixteen wounded ; among the latter was the captain him- 
self. Such was the previous disorder, that, during this 
time, the utmost exertions were insufficient to prepare the 
ship for action, and Captain Barron thought proper to strike 
his colors. The British captain refused to accept the sur- 
render of the Chesapeake, but took from her crew the three 
men formerly demanded as deserters, and a fourth, claimed 
as a runaway from a merchant ship. This gross and 
wanton outrage inflamed the whole population of the 
United States with indignation, and, for the moment, extin- 
guished all party spirit in the national feeling which it 
aroused. The president issued a proclamation, ordering 
all British ships out of the waters of the United States. 
The British government disavowed the act of Admiral 
Berkley, who commanded the squadron to which the 
Leopard belonged, and removed him from his command on 
the American station ; but the claim of the right of search 
and impressment was not abandoned. 

But the attack on the Chesapeake produced more impor- 
tant results in the sequel — results never foreseen nor imag- 
ined either by the Americans or the British. The outrage 
upon the American flag sunk deep into the minds of the 
people, and the history of the affair led to the conclusion 
that there was a lack of discipline in the American navy. 
A determination was adopted never to afford the chance for 
a repetition of the insult ; and a system of the most perfect 
and admirable discipline was introduced into the American 
naval service. Every ship that put to sea was manned 
with a crew perfectly trained to meet the enemy at a 
4S 



566 Jefferson's administration. 

moment's warning; and the consequence was, that when 
the war with Great Britain broke out, the American navy 
struck at once into a brilhant career of victories that threw 
all Europe into astonishment. A striking instance of retri- 
butive justice ! A wanton and unjustifiable outrage of the 
British led the way to their own defeat and mortification ! 

The insignificance of the American navy at this period, 
and the wide extent of American commerce, offered the 
strongest temptations to the British. Possessing a thousand 
ships of war, and having no rival on the ocean, they con- 
sidered it in their power to plunder and insult every mari- 
time nation with perfect impunity. Actuated by the spirit 
of rapacity and insolence, the British cruisers made no 
scruple to capture American ships and impress their crews 
whenever it suited their convenience. Seven frigates, large 
and small, with a few minor craft, constituted the whole 
effective naval force of the Americans ; yet, while the 
national flag was exposed to constant insults, nothing 
was done to increase the naval defence of the country 
except building a large fleet of gunboats. This scheme of 
Mr. Jefferson proved a most signal failure. The gunboats 
were of very little service in harbor, and good for nothing 
at sea, and they speedily fell into contempt and neglect. 

Remonstrances against the spoliations and insults of the 
British proved of no avail ; all demands for redress were 
refused, and they now carried on their depredations upon a 
grand scale. Setting at defiance the laws of nations, they 
adopted the system of " paper blockade," by which a whole 
coast was laid under a commercial interdict. France and 
all other countries in possession of the French were in this 
manner cut ofl' from all connection with neutral nations ; 
and American ships bound to those countries were captured 
by British cruisers, carried into port, and condemned by 
the British admiralty courts. 

Such a proceeding was nothing less than a gross public 
robbery, and soon involved the United States in embarrass- 
ments with the French. Napoleon declared that if the 
United States submitted to this arrogant assumption of 
power by the British, they assumed, in so doing, an attitude 



THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. 1807. 567 

of hostility toward France. To counteract the British 
paper blockade, he determined to retort it against Great 
Britain. This led to the famous Berlin and Milan de- 
crees. From the imperial camp at Berlin, on the 21st of 
November, 1806, he issued a decree, complaining of the 
Violation of the rights of nations by the British government, 
and declaring that it had become necessary to enforce 
against them their own maritime code. The British 
islands were therefore declared in a state of blockade, and 
all intercourse with them was forbidden to neutral nations. 
The British government retorted on their part, on the 7th 
of January and 11 th of November, 1807, by issuing their 
orders in council, declaring in a state of blockade all ports 
in Europe from which the British flag was excluded, and 
all trade in the products or manufactures of such countries, 
contraband. Napoleon replied to this by a decree, dated 
at Milan, on the 17th of December, 1807, declaring that 
every ship, of whatever nation, which should submit to a 
search from an English vessel, should be liable to capture 
and condemnation as English property. The same penalty 
was denounced against all ships holding any intercourse 
with Great Britain or her colonies, or any country occupied 
by British troops. 

In this extraordinary manner, the commerce of the United 
States became the prey of the two great belligerent powers, 
and, between Scylla and Charybdis, saw nothing but de- 
struction. Unjustifiable as these acts were, in both parties, 
Napoleon was more reasonable than the British govern- 
ment. He declared that the Berlin and Milan decrees 
should be rescinded as soon as the British abandoned their 
own unjustifiable and barbarous system of maritime plun- 
der ; and this was all the satisfaction the Americans could 
get amidst their calamities. More than a thousand of their 
vessels, most of them with rich cargoes, were captured 
before the year 1812. 

Yet, strange as it may seem, the ocean was still covered 
wi th American ships ! The reckless and adventurous spirit 
of the merchants incited them to the most desperate enter- 
prises, and when a ship was captured, another immediately 



668 Jefferson's administration. 

took her place. Such of these as escaped the piracies of 
the belligerent powers, made profits so enormous, that the 
avarice of the traders received a tenfold stimulant, and the 
spirit of commercial avarice continued to rush to sea with 
every plank that could be made to float. Commerce be- 
came a lottery, in which enormous prizes came up anion* 
a great number of blanks. Some extraordinary device was 
thought necessary to save the American commerce from 
total destruction ; for, although some individuals grew rich 
in these adventures, the country was a great loser. Such 
an expedient was the embargo, which, in the winter of 
1807, was laid on American shipping, by act of congress. 
By this act, all trade with Great Britain, France and other 
nations, was interdicted. The most violent clamors were 
raised throughout the country, especially in the maritime 
towns, by this act. The embargo was denounced as uncon- 
stitutional, and the two parties which divided the country 
were inflamed into the most bitter animosities. The expe- 
diency of the measure was, indeed, very questionable at 
the outset. It was impossible to enforce the embargo law 
to the full extent, especially in the eastern states, where it 
was particularly disrelished. After considerable distress, 
occasioned by a stagnation of business, which afl'ected all 
classes, the embargo was partially repealed at the end of 
a year, and another scheme put upon trial, in the shape of 
a non-intercourse act, by which all commerce with Great 
Britain and France was interdicted. 

Mr. Jeflerson, having served two terms, retired from 
oflice, and James Madison was elected president in 1S08. 
His administration commenced in March, 1809, and was 
marked, in the beginning, by an event which, for a short 
time, opened new and flattering prospects for the country, 

Erskine, the British minister to the United States, pro- 
posed an arrangement for the settlement of the disputes 
between the two countries, giving positive and oflicial 
assurances that the orders in council should be revoked, as 
far as concerned the United States, provided the non-inter- 
course with Great Britain should be repealed. He also 
oflered reparation for the attack on the Chesapeake, and 



ERSKINe's treaty. — 1809. 669 

agreed that an envoy extraordinary should be sent by Great 
Britain to conchidc a treaty for the full adjustment of all 
affairs dependhig between the United States and Great 
Britain. These proposals were gladly embraced by the 
American cabinet, and a treaty was signed and ratified on 
the 19th of April, 1809, comprising an adjustment of all the 
disputes between the two powers in relation to the above 
points. Mr. Madison, confiding in the good faith and sin- 
cerity of the British minister, immediately issued his pro- 
clamation, announcing that he had received oflicial infor- 
mation that the orders in council would be repealed on the 
10th of June, and that the trade between the United States 
and Great Britain might be renewed on that day. 

This amiouiiccuieiit caused as much joy throughout tho 
country as a proclamation of peace. The event was cele- 
brated everywhere by public rejoicings and illuminations, 
and all parties united in applauding the measure and its 
promoters. This universal exaltation, however, was soon 
followed by the most mortifying disajipointment. Tlic 
British goverumont disavowed the treaty, and recalled their 
minister, on the plea that he had transcended his instruc- 
tions. 

Nothing was left again to the United States but vain 
remonstrances and negotiations, while their commerce con- 
tinued to be plundered and their flag insulted. Firskino's 
successor at \Vashington, Mr. F. J..hickson, publicly insult(»d 
the American govcriiment by the insolence of his language. 
They refused to hold any further intercourse with him, and 
he was forced to return home. The nation had endured 
so long a series of outrages, that the British sought now for 
every occasion to repeat their insults. British ships of war 
infested the coast of the United States, fired upon tho 
vessels, and imprisoned the crews. This spirit of daring 
insolence, however, soon met with a severe rebuke. On 
the Ibth of May, 181 1, a rencounter took place between an 
American and a British ship of war, off the capes of Vir- 
ginia. The British sloop-of-Avar Little Belt fell in with 
the United States frigate President, on a dark evening, when 
the ships did not understand each other's force. Commo- 

48* 



670 Jefferson's administration. 

dore Rogers, who commanded the President, hailed the 
Little Belt, and was answered by a shot. Broadsides were 
then fired by both ships, till the Little Belt ceased firing, 
with thirty-two men killed and wounded. Captain Bing- 
ham, of the Little Belt, published a statement of the case, 
representing it as a hostile attack upon his ship, and affirmed 
that the President fired the first gun. Tlie liritish govern- 
ment sustained their captain, and demanded satisfaction. 
A court of inquiry was ordered by the Americans. Fidl 
evidence appeared that the British ship began the attack, 
and after a clear statement of the case by Mr. Monroe, the 
secretary of state, the British cabinet appeared convinced 
that the Americans were in the right. They could not be 
ignorant of the hectoring and insolent character of their 
naval commanders, at this epoch of Britain's maritime 
supremacy, and nothing further was said about the aftair. 
Furthermore, they made amends for the outrage upon the 
C'hesapeake, by giving up the men taken from her, and 
bestowing a pension on the families of the killed and 
wounded. 

But the main points in dispute between the two countries 
still remained unsettled. American ships continued to be 
captured, the orders in council remained in force, and 
affairs tended rapidly toward a crisis. On the 1st of May, 
1810, congress had passed an act, declaring that if either 
Great Britain or France should, before the 3d of March 
following, cease to violate the neutrality of the United 
States, the non-intercourse should be repealed with regard 
to that power. On learning this measure, the French gov- 
ernment informed the American minister at Paris that the 
Berlin and Milan decrees would be revoked on the 2d of 
November, 1810. A proclamation from the president, in 
consequence, announced that the non-intercourse witli 
France had ceased. When the American minister at Lon- 
don pressed the British government to follow this example, 
he was answered that no proof existed of the repeal of 
Napoleon's decrees. In fact, the repeal had never been 
formally made public at Paris, althougli the capture of 
American vessels by the French ceased at the time speci- 



REPEAL OF THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. 1812. 



571 



fied. At length, after much negotiation, Napoleon pub- 
lished his act of repeal on the 28th of April, 1811. The 
British cabinet then, in consequence of promises repeatedly- 
given to follow the example of France, issued, on the 23d 
of June, 1812, a conditional revocation of ihe orders in 
council. This measure, bad it been adopted a few months 
sooner, would have prev^ented the war of 1812, and 
changed the whole subsequent course of American history. 




CHAPTER XLI. 

Settlement of the Western States. — Expedition of Daniel Boone 
to Kentucky — Henderson's expedition — Indian wars — Battle of Blue 
Licks — Emigration to the xuest — Settlement of Tennessee — Settlement 
of Ohio — Purchase of Indian lands — Expedition of Lewis arid Clarke — 
Intrigues of the British among the Indians — Hostihty of Blue Jacket 
and Tecumseh — Impostures and intrigues of the prophet — Treaty of 
the Wabash — Negotiations with Tecumseh — Confederacy of the Indian 
tribes against the United States — Indian murders and robberies — General 
Harrison marches against the Indians — Battle of Tippecanoe — Defeat 
and dispersion of the enemy — Flight of the prophet. 

We must now suspend our narrative of the foreign rela- 
tions of the United States, in order to give the reader a 
connected relation of the exploration and settlement of the 
vast American domains in the west. The long chain of 
the Allegany mountains, drawn like a belt along the back 
frontier of the Atlantic states, was for many years the 
boundary, not only of settlement, but even of knowledge 
and ideas respecting the North American continent. The 
discoveries which the French from Canada and Louisiana 
made of the regions on the Mississippi, sufficiently showed 
that the original notions of the narrowness of the continent 
■were very far from the truth. It Avas long before the 
settlers suspected the magnitude of the territory which lay 
between the mountains and the river, and that this com- 
prised a valley, the most extensive, the most fertile, and 
the most finely watered, that exists, probably, on the face 
of the globe. It was obvious, however, that beyond the 
mountains there lay a vast region to which the United 
States had an undoubted claim. As, therefore, the eastern 
territory became comparatively filled up, and the spirit of 
emigration and enterprise received new stimidants, the 



Boone's expedition to Kentucky. — itgs. 



573 



oyes of the people were turned in that direction. The 
settlement of this region, however, was attended with so 
many dangers, that only a few of the most adventurous 
and brave spirits attempted at first to break through these 
barriers. 




Culonel Lu'jiie 7/iakuig a settlement in Ktntucky, 



Daniel Boone, at first a farmer and a hunter, and after- 
wards a colonel, had the merit of first penetrating into and 
exploring Kentucky. On the 1st of May, 1769, he set out, 
with five companions, from his farm on the Yadkin, in 
North Carolina. He passed the mountain wilderness, and, 
on the 7th of June, found himself on the banks of a river 
flowing westward toward the Mississippi. Ascending an 
eminence, he saw spread before him the vast and beautiful 
forest plains of Kentucky. Plunging into the bosom of 
this fruitful wilderness, he found it peopled with number- 
less wild animals, particularly buffaloes, in immense 
droves. The Indians, however, were already lying in 
wait to attack the adventurers. That race seem to have 
felt an instinctive conviction that the moment in which 
a white man should fix his foot on the soil west of the Alle- 
ganies, would be fatal to the name and existence of the 
red tribes. They, therefore, manifested their hostility at 



574 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

the very outset. As Boone and one of his companions 
were straying from the rest of the party, they were set 
upon by the Indians and made prisoners. They experi- 
enced great cruelty, and expected more ; but Boone, always 
on the watch, caught a moment when the savages lay in 
deep sltmiber, touched his companion, and they made their 
escape. He soon after had tiie satisfaction of meeting his 
brother, who had come across the mountains in search of 
him. They spent a considerable time in roaming about 
this vast country, where there was not a white man except 
their own party, exposed to continual dangers, but finding 
delight in this wild independence. At length Boone, in 
1773, brought his family into the country; they were 
accompanied by five other families, and forty persons more 
joined them on the road. In their passage across the 
mountains, they were attacked by Indians, and lost six of 
their number. 

Kentucky now began to attract the attention of the gov- 
ernment. Governor Dunmore, of Virginia, appointed olfi- 
cers to survey the country, and engaged Boone to attend 
them as a guide. He accordingly completed, along with 
them, in sixty days, a tour of eight hundred miles, which 
enabled them to form a more complete idea than before of 
the extent and capabilities of the country. Soon after, a 
colonial undertaking was projected on a greater scale. 
Nathaniel Henderson, a self-taught man, who had raised 
liimself by his talents to the judicial bench, crossed the 
Alleganies with ten Avagons, loaded with coarse woollen 
cloths, spirits, and other articles for trading Avith the 
Indians. With the aid of Boone, he convened a meeting 
of the Cherokees at Wataga, in March, 1775, where he 
concluded a treaty, by which they ceded to him one hun- 
dred square miles of territory on the Kentucky and Ohio. 
An old Cherokee, however, closed the transaction by say- 
ing, " Brothers, we have given you a fine land, but you 
will have trouble in settling it." Henderson now vacated 
his seat on the bench, and commenced sovereign and legis- 
lator. By grants of valuable land on the most liberal 
terms, he attracted settlers from all parts, composed a new 



SETTLEMENT OF KENTUCKY. 1780. 676 

code of laws expressly for them, and administered the gov- 
ernment without reference to any authority higher tlian 
his own. The whole of this proceeding, however, was 
considered absolutely inconsistent with the duties which 
he owed as a British subject. The purchase of lands, and, 
much more, of a kingdom, had been expressly prohibited, 
without the concurrence of the governors and provincial 
assemblies. Henderson's proceedings were not sanctioned 
by the government; all persons were forbidden to join him, 
and he himself was outlawed, and a reward offered for his 
apprehension. But the warrants of government could not 
yet be executed on the banks of the Ohio. The Indians, 
having made a fair bargain, considered it a point of honor 
to maintain him in possession of the territory, and his 
colony was daily augmented by new emigrants. 

Henderson, however, was unable permanently to estab- 
lish his claim. The legislature of Virginia decided against 
his pretensions, but made him and liis associates an indem- 
nity, by granting them two hundred thousand acres of 
land, at the mouth of Green river, with which they were 
satisfied. The system of colonization in the western ter- 
ritory, being thus fairly put in train, seemed likely to 
advance with rapid steps : but it encountered a powerful 
check from the revolutionary war. The British govern- 
ment, by ihe most inhuman policy, engaged the savages 
as their allies, and the frontier settlements were soon ex- 
posed to all the horrors of Indian warfare. At Boonsbor- 
ough they began their hostilities by hovering round the 
settlement, destroying the cattle, and shooting the men at 
the plough. As their numbers increased, they made bolder 
advances, and closely invested the fortification in which 
the settlers had secured themselves. Boone himself, sally- 
ing out to obtain provision, was captured. He found 
means, however, to ingratiate himself with the Indians, 
and his life was spared. He was carried off, first to De- 
troit, and then to Chillicothe. Here, seeing a body of four 
hundred Indians, painted and armed for an attack upon 
Boonsborougli, he stole off, and, travelling one hundred 
and sixty miles, with only a single meal, reached the fort. 



676 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

The Indians appeared in a few days, and invested it, but, 
not being skilliil in tliis species of warfare, tliey were re- 
pnlscid by the sinall bc^ly of defenders, and obliged to raise 
tlic siege. The Indians, liowevcr, laid waste the neigh- 
boring settlements, and liostiUties were kept np withont 
any abatement. A bloody battle was fonglit at Bine liicks 
on the 19th of Angust, 1782. A body of settlers, to the 
mnnbcr of one Inmdred and seventy-six, rashly attacked a 
very snperior force of Indians, and were defeated, with the 
loss of sixty-one killed and eight made prisoners. 

The termination of the revolntionary war checked the 
hostile incnrsions of the savages, and they were obliged to 
abandon Kentncky to the settlers. The fertility of the soil, 
which was fonnd snperior to that of any of the old states, 
the desire to possess lancbnl property, and the spirit of 
enterprise kindled by (he late contest, nnitcd to in-ge the 
Americans into this path of adventure. A tide of popula- 
tion began to tlow across the Alleganies, amounting some- 
times to twenty thousand persons in a year, and producing 
a growth the most rajiid, jierhaps, that ever took place in 
any society. In 17S2, there were only a few hundred 
iuhabitauts; in 1791), they had iucreastnl to seventy-three 
tlu)usand ; in ISOO, to two hundred and twenty thousand. 
In the first enthusiasm of emigration, many persons, not 
being able to dispose of their property in the Atlantic 
states with sullieient despatch, are said to have abandoned 
it altogether, rather than di^ay their departure. Yet the 
dilliculties ol' emigration were not small; the steep ridge 
of the Alleganies was to be crossed, over which no road 
existed passable for carriage or wagon. All Avho emigrated 
went on loot or on horseback. They were exj)osed to 
danger from the Indians, who, though miable to make 
/)end in open combat, carried on desultory and destructive 
atlaclcs. 

Troubles also beset them after these dillieullii^s and 
dangers were surmoimted. The business of disposing of 
the lands was not yet reduced to a regular system; ncMthcr 
the description of the locality, nor the mode of conveying 
the title, was sufficiently accurate, and in many cases gross 




Daniel Morgan. 




f^wis Cass. 




Dc Witt Clinton. 




Daniel Boone, 



SETTLEMENT OF TENNESSEE. ir'JG. 677 

impositions were practised. Lots of one hundred thousand 
acres of territory, that never existed, were sold in Europe, 
and even in the great towns of the United States, The 
consequence was, that the titles in Kentucky were, in gen- 
eral, exceedingly vague, and subjected to conflicting claims, 
which could only be settled by the tedious remedy of a 
lawsuit. The only check to this evil which the govern- 
ment could devise, was, to ordain that the old claimant, 
who ejected the actual po.ssessor, should indemnify him 
for all expenses incurred in bringing it under cultivation; 
a penalty which, joined to the previous lawsuit, proved 
often a sufTicicnt bar to the enforcement even of a legal 
right. Kentucky was admitted into the Union in 1792. 

Kentucky was found to be bounded on the south by a 
long and lofty branch of the AUeganies, called the Cum- 
berland or Laurel Mountains; and. so long as fertile tracts 
of unoccupied land continued to be found in abundance in 
Kentucky, no attempt was made to pass this barrier. 
When, however, the crowds which came yearly over the 
mountains, found all the best land occupied, they began 
to look across the mountains, and a brisk movement took 
place in that direction. They found a soil highly favor- 
able to vegetation, and watered by fine streams ; but here 
it was necessary to travel in caravans, to guard against the 
attacks of the Cherokees. A bloody war was to be main- 
tained with that powerful tribe, who were, at length, partly 
subdued and partly conciliated. Tennessee, which, in 
1790, had so few inhabitants that it was not thought 
advisable to number them, contained, in 1800. a popula- 
tion of one hundred and five thousand. The state was 
admitted into the Union in 1796. 

After the settlement of Kentucky and Tennessee, a vast 
range of territory, extending twelve hundred miles along 
the northern bank of the Ohio, remained still in the undis- 
turbed possession of the natives. The districts bordering 
on Pennsylvania and Canada had been formerly a debata- 
ble ground between the French and English, and were 
occupied only by military posts. The most important of 
these was Fort Du Quesne, which fell into the hands of 
49 



678 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



the English, during the war of 1756, and subsequently 
became Pittsburg. After the peace of 1 768 had confirmed 
all these regions to Great Britain, that government, by a 
most absurd regulation, prohibited the formation of settle- 
ments upon any waters except those flowing into the Atlan- 
tic. The tempting aspect and luxuriant fertility of the 
plains of the Ohio, attracted emigrants in spite of every 
obstacle. But the hostility of the Indians, to which they 
were exposed, without any protection, rendered their situ- 
ation extremely precarious. These dangers increased dur- 
ing the war of independence, when these fierce tribes were 
supported by British aid. It was not till the year 1788, 
that the Ohio Company of New England formed a settle- 




Settlement of Marietta. 



ment, on a considerable scale, at Marietta, at the conflu- 
ence of the Muskingum and the Ohio. The settlers 
continued to be harassed by the Indians, whose enmity 
broke out repeatedly into open war, till, in 1795, a pacifi- 
cation was effected at Greenville, and the government of 
the United States began, on a large scale, that system of 
purchase, which has since proved so rich a source of in- 
come to the country. The Wyandots, Delawares, Pota- 
wotamies, Kickapoos, and other tribes, received the value 



SETTLEMENT OF OHIO. 1S03. 679 

of twenty thousand dollars in manufactured goods, to- 
gether with an obligation on the part of the United States to 
pay them annually the value of nine thousand five hundred 
dollars. The Indians ceded to the United States the most 
valuable of the lands on the north bank of the Ohio, to 
its junction with the Miami. In this transaction the red 
men sold, like Esau, their birthright and their home for a 
tritle. Yet when we reflect, that, by this process, vast 
regions, that were then a howling wilderness, have been 
converted into the abode of populous and civilized commu- 
nities, and that it was a proceeding much more equitable 
and mild than those which have commonly effected this 
object, we feel our censure of it disarmed. 

The government of the United States, having thus secured 
the peaceable disposal of a great extent of rich territory, 
soon adopted a systematic mode of distribution, which at 
once secured the titles of the proprietors, and brought an 
ample revenue into the treasury. The land was parti- 
tioned into townships of six miles square. Those town- 
ships were subdivided into sections of six hundred and 
forty acres, and these into quarter sections. The lands 
were put up to sale in quarter sections, and reservations 
were made for the erection of schools and seminaries of 
learning. Ohio, which, in 1787, contained only five thou- 
sand inhabitants, in 1802 numbered sixty thousand. Ohio 
was admitted into the Union in 1802. 

Ohio being thus speedily filled up, the bold enterprise of 
the American emigrant pushed him forward into new 
regions, where wide tracts of rich land might be found. 
By the Indian treaty of 1795, the Americans had obtained 
some territories beyond the Miami. In 1804, 1805, and 
1 809, fresh treaties conveyed to them the best of the lands 
between that river and the Wabash, — the lowest and largest 
tributary of the Ohio. This was erected into a territory 
under the name of Indiana. 

A bold and hazardous exploring expedition was projected 
by the American government, destined to cross the entire 
breadth of the continent, to penetrate into regions known 
hitlierto only by the faintest rumor, and to reach the 



580 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES, 



Pacific, the srand western boundary of America. Its tirst 
destination was to ascend to its source the Missouri, already 
known as the greatest tributary of the Mississippi, or rather 
as the primary river, to which the Mississippi itself is sub- 
ordinate. This expedition was planned by President Jef- 
ferson, a zealous promoter of interior discovery; and it was 
led by Captain Meriwether l^ewis, his private secretary, 
and by Captain William Clarke, with a band of troops and 
attendants, amounting in all to forty-five ; of which six- 
teen, however, were only to proceed to a certain distance. 
They had a keel-boat, fifty-five feet long, accompanied by 
two open boats, called periogues. On the 16th of May, 
1S04, after a winter spent in preparation, they were afloat 
on the Missouri. Some miles up that river, the French had 
already founded the village of St. Charles, still peopled by 
their nation to the number of four hundred and fifty. 

The Osage river is the first grand tributary of the Mis- 
souri. It runs from the southwest through a fertile coun- 
try. The people of the same name, comprising three tribes, 
of upwards of twelve hundred warriors, appeared large and 




Indians hwiting in deersktTU. 



\rell-formed, but less warlike than the northern Indians, 
who have also the advantage over them of using the rifle. 
The expedition then came to the important tributary of the 
Kansas, flowing from the westward, and which, at the 



LEWIS AND CLARKE S EXPEDITION!. — IJKVI. 581 

jimction, is more than half the breadth of the Missouri. 
The Indians of the same name, on its banks, have been 
reduced to three hundred, — as, though equally fierce and 
warlike, they were unable to withstand the fire-arms with 
which their enemies, the Sauks ami Ayauways, have been 
sup])lied by the European traders, iligher up they came 
to the great estuary of the Platte, coming from sources far 
in the west, and rolling a more rapid stream than the Mis- 
souri itself This river is occupied by considerable tribes 
of Indians. The Pawnees ranked once among the most 
munerous of the Missouri races; and, thougli they have 
sutl'ered severely in their contests with the Indians of the 
west, they still count four considerable bauds. The Ottoes, 
once their rivals, are now much reduced, and obliged to 
place themselves under their protection. Both these tribes 
cultivate the ground, and employ themselves only occa- 
sionally in hunting. The Kite Indians, farther to the west, 
are constantly on horseback, and are so named from the 
rapidity oi' their movements. They are the tiercest of all 
the Indians, never yielding in battle, or sparing their ene- 
mies. 

Above the Platte, the Missouri became less rapid and 
more winding ; and the scenery, consisting of a valley 
enclosed between two ranges of bold heights or bluffs, was 
extremely interesting. Here the Americans had a confer- 
ence with fourteen of the Ottoe and Missouri Indians. The 
grand chief, indeed, \vhose name in English signifies Little 
Thief, was unfortunately absent; but Big Horse, White 
Horse, and Hospitality, held a most amicable conference, 
expressed their satisfaction with the change of government 
to the United States, and hoped their great lather, the 
president, would send them arms for hunting and defence. 
The Missouri was found here to wind in an extraordinary 
manner. Near this spot, the Americans were visited by 
eiiiht chiefs of the Ottoes and Missouris, amons; whom was 
now Little Thief, accompanied not only by Big Horse, but 
by Crow's Head, Black Cat, Big Ox, and Big Blue Eyes. 
With these worthies a very amicable council was held, 
concluded by a dram; and as they honestly confessed, that, 

49* 



aS2 



5ETTLEME>"T OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



in the present war, they had been themselves the aggres- 
sors, by steahug two horses and some corn. Captain Lewis 
more readily and hopefully undertook to mediate an accom- 
modation. Proceeding upwards, they came to the Ricaress, 
a handsome and well-proportioned race, and in their beha- 
vior somewhat more meritorious than the others. Their 
chiefs. Lighting Crow and Eagle's Feather, declined the 
proder of whiskey, and expressed wonder that their great 
father should send them a hquor which made men fools. 
They received presents with thankfidness, but did not beg 
them in the importimate style of the former Indians. 




By the time the party reached the latitude of 47". six- 
teen hmidred miles above the Missouri junction, a cold wind 
blew from the northwest, ice began to form on the rivers, 
and all the s\Tnpioms of winter were thickening. They 
determined to build a fort, where they might spend the 
■winter with some comfort, and be ready in the spring to 
start for the head of the Missouri and the passage of the 
Rocky Momitains. They called it Fort Mandan. from the 
Indian people among whom they now were. Here they 
spent the winter. On the 7 th April, 1S05, the party broke 



LEWIS AND CLARKk's EXPEDITION. 1304. 583 

up from Fort Maudvin, thirty-tM*o strona:, in six canoes, and 
two large perioguos. On the 13tl\. they passed the intUix 
of the rapid stream of the Little ^Jissouri, and on the 26th 
eame to the mnch more important river of the Yellowstone, 
descending from the Black ^lonntains, and almost rivalling 
tlie Missonri itself. These two rivers rolled through Avide 
plains, varied with wood, and animated by vast herds of 
biitfalo. deer, elk, and antelope. The abundance of game 
was now most extraordinary. Butl'aloes Avere seen to the 
number of three thousand, and on some occasions even ton 
thousand at once. They Avere intermingled, however, with 
animals of a more formidable character, among Avhicli the 
brown K^xr was preennuemly terrible. 

Continuing to ascend in an almost due westerly direction 
from the junction of the Yellowstone, the party came to 
two great channels, or forks, as the Americans call them, 
which involved the leaders in great perplexity. One llowed 
from the north and the other from the south, and they Avere 
unable to decide Aviiich Avas the real Missouri, by ascend- 
ing Avhich they would reach the head of the Columbia. 
The great falls of the Missouri Avere to ati'ord the only sure 
test by Avhich this doubtful question Avas to be solved. In 
search of these they formed a light exploratory expedition, 
depositing their heavy goods in a hole, or cache, as the 
French traders called it, tloored with dry branches, coa'- 
ered Avith skins, and earth over them. In two days they 
came to a ridge, from the top of Avhich they had a beauti- 
ful A'iew of the Rocky Mountains, iioav completely coA'cred 
Avith snoAv, and consisting of seA'eral ranges rising aboA'e 
each other, till the most distant mingled with the clouds. 
On the following day a sound Avas heard as of a distant 
Avaterfall, and spray driven Ix^tbre the Aviud rose high aboA'e 
the plain like a column of smoke. The sound, sAvelling 
as they approached, became at length too tremendous to be 
anything but the great fall of the Missouri. Captain LcAA'is, 
hurrying impatiently over some rugged rocks Avhich inter- 
vened, at length reached the centre, and enjoyed the sub- 
lime spectacle oi this stupendous object, which, since the 
creation, had been lavishing its magniticence on the desert. 



5S4 SITTLKMKXT OF THIS WESTERN STATES. 

The river here throws itself down a precipice of three hun- 
dred yards wide, for about a third of which breadth it falls 
in one smooth and unbroken sheet. 

The identity of the Missouri being thus established 
beyond all controversy, the expedition was immediately 
moved up the river. The voyage was laborious, there 
being a rapid current against them, and the channel often 
obstructed by inlets and shallows. The first moimtain 
ranges now hemmed in the river more closely, and often 
hung over it in perpendicular cliffiu It was not, however, 
till the 19ih July that they came to the grand gates of the 
Rocky Mountains, Of all pass-scenery in the world, this 
appears to be the most awful. Tlie rtx'ks. for upwards of 
five miles, rising perpendicularly from the waters edge, 
form a most sublime and extraordinary spectacle. For 
three miles there is not a spot, except one of a few yards, 
on which a man can stand between the water and tlie per- 
pendicular mountain-walL The frowning darkness of 
these rocks projecting over the river, and menacing destruc- 
tion to all beneath, appeared to the navigators truly awful. 
The Missouri, at some distance above, was found separat- 
ing into three branches, which, coming from the loftiest 
recesses of the rocky chain, united to form it 

Continually ascending towards the most central recesses 
of the Rocky Moimtains. they at last came to a point where 
a foot could be placed on each side of the river : and one of 
the party, in a fit of enthusiasm, thanked God tliat he had 
lived to bestride the Missouri. Proceeding onward, they 
reached a small gap. formed by high momitains on each 
side : from the foot of one of which welled out the spring- 
head of tliis greatest river in the world, and whose channel 
for three tliousaud miles they had so laboriously ascended. 
They had now reached the hidden sources of that river, 
which had never yet been seen by civilized man : and as 
they quenched their thirst at the chaste and icy foimtain, 
— as they sat down by the brink of that little rivulet, — they 
felt themselves rewarded for all their labors and all their 
dilficuities. Proceeding onward, they fomid the roads 
excessiveh* roush. strewed with rocks and large stones. 



LEWIS AVD CLAKKe's KXPEPITION. — 1504. 5S5 

over which it seemed absohitely impossible to ride; but the 
fine Indian horses, quite accustomed to these obst^^cles, 
carried them easily and swiftly over every difficulty. At 
length they came in view of a mountain, the loftiest yet 
seen, and were told that its rocky sides hemmed in the 
river so close as to prevent all possibility of passing. It 
was necessary, therefore, to set out in a diiierent and more 
northerly direction, by which tliey might reacli the river 
below this obstruction. Tiiey had a very severe journeyj 
and the Americans, though they could endure considei-able 
hardship, were ill able to brook a privation of the lirst 
wants of nature, which, in the course of the journey, began 
to be experienced. Their tirst resource was to kill and eat 
the horses on which they rode, though rather too meagre 
for the purjx>so. They were next fain to purchase and 
dress the dogs wliich the natives kept for domestic pur- 
poses, thongh they themselves had so little idea of eating 
them, that they called the strangers by the opprobrious 
name of do«r-eaters. 

Passmg throtigh several tribes of Indians, they reached 
the Columbia, and saw in the west, at the distance of one 
hundred and fifty miles, a very high moimtain. covered with 
snow, which, from its direction and appearance, was suj>- 
posed to be Mount St. Helens, laid down by Vancouver, as 
visible from the luouih of that river. In four days they 
came to the great falls. As they descended the Cohuubia, 
its channel gradnalh* widened, till it attained a breadth of 
two miles, and even expanded into a species of bay filled 
with islands. Then, haA'ing ascended a hill, and the fog, 
which had invoh-etl the western horizon, clearing up. they 
enjoyed ilie delighttnl prosjx'ct of the ocean : — that mighty 
ocean, the boundary of America and of American domin- 
ion, to reach which had been the object of all their labors, 
the crotmd of all their anxieties. This ?rand and cheering 
prospect, and the distant roar of the breakers, gave new life 
to all the travellers. Yet they had not reached the end of 
their troubles. They were tossed about for a fortnight in 
a sea which their frail canoes were ill able to sustain, and 
amid deluges of rain, before they could fix upon Meriwether 



5S6 ssTTLaiBiiT or m msrERX states. 

Bay as a spot wheiv Uiey could securely ejstablish tliexn- 
selres for tlie \r inter. Tlie expeditiou remnied safely by 
the same route, tlie following year. 

The most unwarrantable interference vrith the Indians 
K&iding within Uie limits of tlie United States, was prac- 
tiseii by tlie Britisli. from the year IT S3, quite down to ilie 
commencement of tlie war of ISI'2. During a gK'at p«irt 
of this time Uiey kept the Indians in hostility with our west- 
ern settlements, and when the probability of a new war 
between tlie two countries became very strong, dieir in- 
triguer were pushed to such an extent as to infuse a gen- 
exal spirit of hostility into all the sarage tribes within ilieir 
induence. For some years before the war. Little Turtle 
and Blue Jacket were the leading chiefs among the iK>riIi- 
westeni tribes. They had disagreed aK->ut the manner of 
opposing Wapie's army. The plan of Blue Jacket was 
adopted, and led to the total defeat of tlie Indians, as had 
been predicted by his rival. After tliis event. Little Turtle 
eontinued on friendly terms witli the Americans. He was 
of opinion that the Indian tribes were imable to contend 
against tliem ; that no national aid would be afforded them 
by the British ; and that, by going to war with the Ameri- 
cans, they would only lose more of their lands. Blue 
Jacket had mone conndence in the British ; he tliirsted for 
rvvengo apiinst the Americans, and he wished to regain 
tlie lands which had Kxmi coded by the treaty of Green- 
Tille, His induence increased, while Little Turtle was 
becoming unpopular. He found in Ttx^oisEH. a Sliawanese 
cliief whom he ais?ociated with himself in his views and pix>- 
jects, an able and persevering coadjutor, 'Die leading prm- 
ciples of their policy were, to unite all the tribes in one 
confederacy ; to prevent the sale of tlieir lands by any single 
tribe, and to join the British in the event of a war, for the 
purixvjae of recovering the territories whidi iliey had 
already ceded. Tliey contended that, by the treaty of 
Greenville, Uie United States had acknowledged tlie right 
to their lands to remain jointly in all the tribes, and that, 
oonsequently. the Americans had no right to purchase 
laads &x>m any single tribe, without the ccoiseut of the 



INTRIGUES OF THE rROPHET. — ISM. 587 

Others. Blue Jacket did not live to oxocutc his sehemos, 
but they were dihgemly pursued by Tecumseli. aud this 
chief was encouraged aud supported by the British agents. 

The various tribes who were in the habit of visiting 
Detroit and Sandwich, were annually subsidized by the 
British. Where the American agent, at Detroit, gave one 
dollar, by way of amnesty, the British agent, on the other 
side of the river, would give them ten. This may serve 
a.s a six-cimen of the arts by which the British endeavored 
to gain over the savage tribes to their interests. The 
Indians wished also to try their strength against the ''big 
knite," as they called the Kentuckians, in order to wijK^ 
away the disgrace of their defeat by General Wayne. 
The British promised them aid in case of a war. and their 
natural inclination to bloodshed was thus intlamed, and 
they stood ready for hostile movements the moment a 
favorable opportunity slnmld cvcnr. About the year 1S04, 
a Shawauese Indian, the brother of Tecumseh. proclaimed 
himself a prophet, alleging that he had been connnauded 
by the Great Spirit, who made the red man, to inform them 
that the misfortunes thev had encountered were owins: to 
their having abandoned the mode of lite which he had pre- 
scribed lor them, and adopted the manners and dress of 
the whites; and he was commanded to tell them that they 
must return to their former habits, and dress in skins 
instead of blankets. The prophet fixed his residence at 
Greenville, where the treaty was made in 1705. 

The fame of this chief soon spread through the surround- 
ing tribes, and he quickly found himself at the head o{' a 
considerable band ot followers, composed principally o{ the 
most licentious and dissolute young men of the Shawanese, 
Delawares, Wyandots, Potawotamies, Ottawas, Chippe- 
ways and Kickapoos. Besides these, he Avas visited by 
immense crowds from the tribes of the IMississippi and 
Lake Superior. The most absurd stories were told and 
believed by the Indians, of his power to perform miracles, 
aud they exposed themselves to all sorts of latigue and 
sutiering to get a sight of him. The people of Ohio became 
much alarmed at this great assemblage of the Indians upon 



5SS 8rrTLE>iEvr of the waa i —i i states. 

their frontier, and a mission \ras sent by the governor of 
that state, to insist upon their removal. Tlie United States* 
aeent at Fort Wayne, also made a remonstrance to the 
prophet against his design of forming a permanent settle- 
ment at Greenville, vrhioh was within the K>undary of the 
United States. Accordingly, in ISOS. the prophet removed 
to the Wabash, and fixed his residence on tlie northern 
bank of that river, near the mouth of a small stream 
called the Tippecanoe, 

The land in this neighborhood was the property of the 
Miamis. who made strong objections to the occupancy of 
it by the prophet: but he had too strong a band of 
adherents to be expelled by force, and conunued to remain 
in that spoL In September. 1S*>9, a treaty was made 
between tlie American government and the Miamis. Dela- 
wares, and Potawotamies, by whicli the Indians ceded a 
tract extending sixty miles up the Wabash. The prophet 
and his followers were not parties to this treaty, as iliey 
had no claim to the land. During the negotiation of the 
treaty, Tecumseh was busy intriguing against the Ameri- 
cans ; and, after its accomplishment, he tlireatened to kill 
the chiefs who had signed it, and declared liis determina- 
tion to prevent the land from bemg surveyed and settled. 
He brought great nimibers of the Indians from the sur- 
rounding tribes to join his broilier's party, and was. in 
fact, the prime mover m all the proceedings conducted in 
the name of the prophet. 

General Harrison, who was then governor of the Xorth- 
wesi Territory, having heard of tliese doings, sent a mes- 
sage to Tecumseh. informing him that if he possessed any 
reasonable claim to lauds ceded to the Americans, they 
should be given up. or indenmities otlered for them. He 
invited him to Vmcennes to exhibit his claim. Accord- 
ingly, in August, ISIO, Teciunseh. attended by several 
himdred warriors, came to that town, and held a confer- 
ence witli the governor. Teciunseh made a long speech, 
but said nothing to the purpose. General Harrison replied, 
and as soon as he had liuished Tecumseh gave a signal 
ID his warriors, on which tliev seized tlieir tomahawks and 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. ISIO. 689 

war-clubs, and sprang suddenly on their feet. The gov- 
ernor, with the greatest presence of mind, immediately 
sprang from his chair, drew his sword, and put himself in 
an attitude of defence. His situation was eminently criti- 
cal. None ot" his attendants were armed, and the Indians 
greatly outnumbered all the inhabitants of the town. His 
firm countenance, however, checked the audacity of the 
savages. He instantly ordered up a guard of a sergeant 
and twelve men, who were not far olf ; then, turning to 
Tecumsoh, he told him he was a bad man, and he would 
have no further intercourse with him; he therelbre ordered 
him instantly to return home. The next morning, how- 
ever, Tecumseh made an apology, and desired another 
conference; but the negotiations which followed came to 
nothing. 

The activity, zeal, and perseverance which this savage 
chief manifested in his endeavors to unite all the Indian 
tribes in a league against the Americans, are most remarka- 
ble. He visited all the tribes along the western bank of 
the Mississippi, and on the great lakes, repeatedly, before 
the year 1811. So sanguine were his followers, at this 
time, and to such a degree were they encouraged by the 
British agents, that they believed, in the event of a war 
between the British and Americans, they should be able 
to drive the Americans across the Ohio, and regain all the 
territory on the northwest of that river. Xlie negotiations 
which preceded the treaty of Ghent, show that the British 
ministry indulged in a delusion equally extravagant. 

In the winter and spring of 1811, depredations and 
murders began to alarm the frontiers of the Indiana, 
Illinois and Missouri territories. The perpetrators were 
demanded of the respective Indian chiefs, but no satisfac- 
tion could be obtained. Alarm spread throughout all the 
western country. The inhabitants held meetings, and 
forwarded to Washington the most urgent requests for 
defensive measures against tbe hostilities of the Indians. 
The president immediately ordered Colonel Boyd's regi- 
ment, then quartered at Pittsburg, to repair, without delay, 
to Vinceimes, and receive orders from Governor Harrison, 
50 



590 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

who was also directed to raise a body of militia, for the 
defence of the country. Upon this announcement, compa- 
nies of militia and volunteers flocked to his head quarters, 
and he soon found himself at the head of a respectable 
force. 

In the latter part of September, Harrison commenced his 
march up the AVabash, with a force of about nine hundred 
eflective men. Conformably to his orders from the presi- 
dent, he halted within the limits of the United States, and 
despatched some friendly Indians, as messengers, to the 
prophet, to induce him to deliver up the nnn-dcrers, and 
the horses which had been stolen by his people. These 
negotiators were treated with great insolence, and the 
demands were rejected with disdain, by the prophet and his 
council. To put an end to all hope of accommodation, 
a small war-party of Indians approached the American 
camp for the purpose of commencing hostilities. Finding 
no stragglers without the lines,. they lired upon a sentinel, 
and wounded him severely. Negotiation now appeared 
hopeless. The Delaware chiefs intormed the governor 
that nothing but force would obtain either satisfaction for 
injuries done, or security tor the future. The prophet's 
force was daily augmenting, and everything wore the 
most threatening aspect. In this state of affairs, Harrison 
judged it necessary to erect a fortification within the limits 
of the United States, Avhere his invalids, of which he had 
a large number, might be deposited. In this fortification, 
which the officers named Fort Harrison, all the inefficient 
portion of the army having been deposited, the remainder 
took up the line of march for the enemy's country, on the 
29th of October. 

On the evening of the 5tli of November, the army 
reached a spot about two miles from the prophet's to^\nll. 
None of the enemy were yet seen. The troops encamped, 
and kept a strict guard, as it was ascertained that the 
prophet was already informed of their approach. The 
following day they recommenced their march, and dis- 
covered parties of the enemy, with whom attempts were 
made to open a communication by the advanced guards. 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 1811. 591 

attended by interpreters. The enemy, however, rejected 
every pacific overture, and Harrison continued to advance. 
The country became brolien by ravines and covered with 
thick woods and tall prairie grass. With great difficulty, 
and using the utmost precaution, the troops made their 
way, with clouds of hidians hanging on their flanks and 
front, till they arrived close to the prophet's town, where 
they encamped. Harrison now obtained a parley with the 
Indians, who put on a pacific countenance, and professed 
a wish to avoid hostilities. A suspension of arms was, 
accordingly, agreed upon, and the following day appointed 
to hold a conference, and discuss terms of peace. Things 
now wore a pacific aspect, and the soldiers began to ex- 
press their regrets at being obliged to return to their homes 
without witnessing a battle. 

Harrison, however, was not thrown off his guard by 
these friendly demonstrations. Familiar witli Indian 
character and Indian arts, he suspected treachery, and, 
like a prudent general, took all precaution against a sur- 
prise. The strictest arrangements were made to meet a 
sudden attack. The front and rear lines were composed 
of United States' troops, flanked by companies of militia. 
Three companies of mounted riflemen were posted on the 
left flank, and the remaining cavalry were stationed in 
the rear of the front line and left flank. A very strong 
night guard was put upon duty, orders issued for the 
sharpest vigilance to be observed throughout the camp, 
and the troops to lay on tlieir arms. These precautions 
were by no means superfluous. The treacherous savages 
had made preparations to assault the camp under cover of 
the night, and, by killing the sentinels before an alarm 
could be given, to surprise the sleeping soldiers, whom 
they hoped to massacre before they had time to prepare 
for their defence. The sun went down quietly; the hum 
and bustle of the Indian town died away, and everything 
seemed hushed in repose. The night, af^the beginning, 
was cloudy and dark; the moon rose late, and, after mid- 
night, there was a drizzling rain ; day-break was not far 



692 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

off, and all the dangers of the night Avere apparently past: 
but this was the very momeni of peril. 

A little after four in the morning, a sentry was gazing 
upon the marshy prairie which skirted the front of the 
camp. Never had he seen the tall grass so strangely 
agitated. Not a breath of wind Avas blowing, yet the sur- 
face of the prairie was moving as if stirred by a strong 
breeze. He cried, '-Who goes there?" but not a sound 
was heard in reply. His eye scrutinized every part of the 
waving field before him, but no living thing could be seen. 
Suddenly, with the quick thought of a backwoodsman, he 
stooped to the earth, and looking under the tall grass, 
behold! an Indian silently and cautiously creeping towards 
him! In an instant he fired; a tremendous Indian yell 
burst from the cover, and a cloud of savages rushed at 
once upon the left flank of the Americans. The guard in 
that quarter gave way, overpowered by the suddenness 
and fury of the attack. But the general and the other 
chief officers were already at their posts. Knowing the 
greatest danger of surprise to be towards morning, they 
had risen before the assault commenced. Dispositions to 
meet the enemy were promptly made ; and the mounted 
riflemen received the next onset. The Indians, expert in 
the use of muskets, poured in a most destructive fire ; but 
the troops, who sprang to their arms at a moment's warning, 
received the attack wirli the greatest firmness. The onset 
of the savages was such as to strike terror into every one, 
yet all orders were executed with coolness and promptitude. 
The camp fires were immediately extinguished, that the 
enemy might be embarrassed for want of light. 

The attack was now extended to all quarters of the 
camp post, flank and rear. The dragoons on the left were 
severely annoyed by the enemy lodged in the woods. In 
the other quarters, the Indians advanced and retreated, 
making a loud rattling noise with deer-hoofs. They fought 
with desperation, and seemed resolved to conquer or die. 
The troops, however, firmly stood their ground. During 
the contest, the prophet remained in safety on an adjacent 
eminence, singing a war-song. He had told his followers 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. — 1811. 693 

that the Great Spirit would render the arms of the whites 
unavailing, and that their bullets would not hurt the In- 
dians, who would have light, while their enemies were 
involved in thick darkness. The fight raged with unabated 
fury, and he was informed that his men were falling. He 
told them to fight on, and they would soon see his predic- 
tions accomplished ; and then he began to sing louder. But 
his incantations failed of effect; the American bullets con- 
tinued to strike down the savage assailants ; and their 
tumultuous onsets could not shake the firmness of the 
troops. Major Davies's cavalry made an attack upon the 
Indians in the woods, but the major being mortally 
wounded, the attack was repulsed. A company of infantry 
then advanced to the charge, with fixed baj'onets, and 
drove the enemy from the wood. Daylight now approached, 
and a body of infantry and cavalry, under Major Wells, 
advanced upon the enemy's right. The Indian line was 
broken, repulsed and driven into a swamp. Attacks, at the 
same time, were made upon the remaining bodies^ of the 
enemy, who were all driven from their gromid, and the vic- 
tory of the Americans was complete. Forty Indians were 
found dead on the field of battle. Numbers of dead were 
carried olf, and many were subsequently found buried, and 
thrown three and four together iuto holes and places of 
concealment. Their total loss in killed and wounded was 
estimated at one hundred and fifty. The American loss 
was equally severe. Among the killed were nine officers. 
General Harrison had a musket ball graze his head, cutting 
off a lock of hair. 

The victory of Tippecanoe immediately dispersed all 
the hostile Indians in the neighborhood. The prophet's 
town was found deserted by all but an old chief, whose leg 
was broken. He was treated with humanity and attention. 
His wounds were dressed, and he was instructed to tell his 
countrymen that if they would abandon the prophet, and 
return peaceably to their respective tribes, they would be 
forgiven. It was judged necessary to destroy the prophet's 
town, which had been the rendezvous for all the bad 
characters in that quarter, and all the enemies of the United 
50* 



694 



SETTLEMENT OF THE AVESTERN STATES. 



States. The houses were burnt, the utensils of the Indians, 
and corn and other provisions, destroyed. The army 
remained in camp two days, to dress the wounded, and 
then returned to Yinccnnes. The prophet, after his flight 
from Tippecanoe, was instantly abandoned by all his fol- 
lowers, who, after this defeat, lost all faith in his super- 
natural pretensions. Even his life was endangered by the 
sudden change in the feeling of those whom he had too 
successfully deluded. Most of the Indian tribes who had 
been inlluenced by his arts, seeing him driven from his 
sanctuary and strong-hold, and all his impostures exposed, 
otfered their submission to llie United Stales, and sued foi 
peace. The prophet lied to Canada, where, for many years, 
he lived on a pension from the British government, and 
afterwards emigrated to the west of the JMississiooi. 




CHAPTER XLII. 

War of 1812. — Rrladons with Great Britain — Bad faith of the British 
cabinet — Intjircssincnt of American seamen — Affair of John Henry — 
Party dissensions — Declaration of war with Great Britain — Mob at 
Baltimore — Cruise of Commodore Rogers — Chase of the Constitutio7i 
— Capture of the Gverrierc — Capture of the Alert — Capture of the Mace- 
donian — Capture of the Frolic — Capture of the Java — Exultation of the 
Americans — Military operations by land — Errors of the cabinet — Cam- 
paign of General Hull — Inrasio7i of Canada — Capture of Machinaiv 
by the British — Surrender of Hull's anny-^Harrison' s march — Capture 
of Fort Defiance — War on the Niagara frontier — Dearborn''s armis- 
tice — Attack on Queenstown — -Misconduct of the New York inilitia — 
Affairs on the lakes — F.ud-of the campaign of 1R12 — ATeeting of con- 
gress — Negotiations for peace — Reelection of Mr. Madison. 

We now return to the foreign affairs of the United States. 
Early in 1812, the relations of the conntry witli Great 
Britain had reached a critical point. All the negotiations 
with the British cabinet led to no satisfactory results, but, 
on tiie contrary, produced nothing but chicanery and equiv- 
ocation. It was evidently their wish to protract the settle- 
ment of attairs as long as possible. The American com- 
merce offered a rich liar vest of plunder for the British 
cruisers, and the American crews were a constant sonrce 
for the supply of recruits for their navy by impressment. 
Thousands of sailors, with the legal evidence of their citi- 
zenship in their pockets, were taken forcibly from Ameri- 
can ships, and compelled to serve in the British navy. The 
impression began to prevail that a resort to arms was the 
only thing which could redeem the character of the nation 
and compel foreign powers to respect her Hag. In Novem- 
ber, 181 1, President Madison recommended to congress that 
the conntry shonld be put in a state of defence ; yet the 
hope of accommodating difficulties by negotiation Avas still 



696 WAR OF 1812. 

SO Strong, that nothing of consequence was done except 
authorizing a loan of eleven millions of dollars in March, 
1812. 

The feeling of hostility to England was further aggra- 
vated hy an aifair which came to light about this time. 
While the embargo law was in operation, the governor of 
Canada had despatched a secret emissary, named John 
Henry, into the eastern states, to sound the disposition of 
the people, who were thought inclined to dissolve the 
Union and revolt against the federal government. This 
man does not appear to have disclosed his mission to any 
person in the United States, but he wrote despatches to the 
governor, containing the news which he had picked up on 
his journey. Not being rewarded by the British govern- 
ment for his services, he disclosed the whole affair to the 
American cabinet, who paid him fifty thousand dollars for 
his papers. These documents were published by the 
American government, and gave rise to much discussion, 
not only in the United States, but in Great Britain. Lord 
Liverpool, the British prime minister, defended the pro- 
ceeding in the house of lords, but it was generally consid- 
ered, both in America and Europe, as a transaction highly 
discreditable to the British government. 

It was now evident that hostilities with Great Britain 
could not be avoided much longer. There were grounds 
of complaint, too, against France, but it was admitted on 
all hands that the insults of the British were by far the 
most aggravating. Violent party dissensions agitated the 
United States, as the prospect of a war grew more and more 
certain. At length, on the 1st of June, 1812, the subject 
Avas proposed to congress in a message from President 
Madison. After a warm debate, a declaration of war was 
passed in the house of representatives by a majority of 
thirty, and in the senate by a majority of six. It received 
the signature of the president on the 18th of June, 1812, 
and on that day war existed between the United States 
and Great Britain. 

Party spirit, at this period, raged with uncommon vio- 
lence. The opposition to the government was strong, and 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. — 1812. 597 

the declaration of war was denounced "as a desperate and 
fatal measure. The country was in a most imperfect state 
of defence, with hardly anything like an army or navy, 
and the most wealthy and populous portion of the Union 
was the most decidedly averse to the war. The commer- 
cial towns of the eastern states, which had the most to 
suffer from hostilities, were, of course, the most strenuous 
in opposing it. The extravagant gains of commerce, in 
spite of the enormous hazards attending it, offered still an 
irresistible attraction. Troubles also menaced the country 
in other quarters. A mob, at Baltimore, on the 20th of 
June, assaulted the office of a newspaper which was dis- 
tinguished for the violence of its opposition to the Avar. 
On the 2Sth of July, another mob made an attack on the 
house of the editor, and the next day further outrages 
were perpetrated; one person was killed, and several 
wounded. 

At the moment of the declaration of war, a squadron, 
under Commodore Rogers, lay at New York, consisting 
of the frigates President, Congress, United States, and the 
sloop of war Hornet. On the 2lst o-f June, they put to sea, 
in pursuit of a British squadron, which had sailed as the 
convoy of the West India fleet the preceding month. 
While thus engaged, the British frigate Belvidera was 
discovered, to which they instantly gave chase. The 
chase was continued from early in the morning until past 
four in the afternoon, when the President, outsailing the 
other vessels, had come within gun-shot;, she opened a fire 
with her bow guns, intending to cripple the Belvidera, 
which returned it with her stern-chasers. The firing was 
kept up for ten minutes, when one of the guns of the Pres- 
ident burst, killed and wounded sixteen men, and fractured 
the leg of the commodore. By this accident, and the 
explosion of the passing-box, the decks were so much shat- 
tered, as to render the guns on one side useless. The ship 
was then put about, and a broadside fired, but without the 
desired effect, though considerable injmy was done the 
Belvidera. This vessel, having thrown overboard every- 
thing she could spare, now gained ground. The chase 



698 WAR OF 1812. 

was continued until eleven o'clock at night, before it was 
deemed hopeless. The squadron then continued in pursuit 
of the convoy, which it did not give over until within sight 
of the British channel ; then stood for the island of Madeira, 
and thence, passing the Azores, stood for Newfoundland, 
and thence, by Cape Sable, arrived at Boston the 30th of 
August, having made prize of several British vessels ; but, 
owing to the haziness of the weather, they were less suc- 
cessful than might have been expected. The frigate Essex 
Avent to sea from New York on the 3d of July. The brigs 
Nautilus and Vixen were at the same time cruising oif the 
coast. The sloop of war Wasp was at sea, on her return 
from France. 

The Constitution, Captain Hull, sailed from Annapolis 
on the 5 th of July. On the morning of the 17th, oflf Egg 
Harbor, she was chased by a ship of the line, the Africa, 
and the frigates Shannon, Guerriere, Belvidera, and .^olus. 
These vessels were approaching rapidly, with a fine breeze, 
while it was nearly a calm about the Constitution. At 
sunrise the next morning, escape from the enemy was 
almost hopeless, as they were then within five miles. The 
Constitution was, therefore, cleared for action, determined 
to make a desperate resistance. The enemy still drawing 
near, and the ships being upon soundings, boats were sent 
ahead, with anchors, for the purpose of warping, — there 
prevailing almost a calm. The enemy, finding the Con- 
stitution gaining upon them, resorted to the same expedient. 
The chase continued, in this manner, for two days, partly 
sailing with light breezes, and partly Avarping, until the 
20th, when the Constitution ran her pursuers entirely out 
of sight. This escape, from so great a disparity of force, 
was considered as deserving a high rank in naval exploits, 
and was much admired at the time, as evincing superior 
nautical skill. The advantage to the British, in this chase, 
was considerable, when we reflect that their foremost ves- 
sel had the assistance of all the boats of the squadron for 
the purpose of towing. 

The Constitution, having arrived safely at Boston, put 
to sea agam on the 2d of August. On the lOth, a vessel 



UAPTUKE OF THE GUERRIERE. — 1812. • 699 

hove in sight, and a cliase instantly commenced. It was 
soon discovered to be the Gnerriere, Captain Dacres, one 
of the best frigates in the Britisli navy, and which seemed 
not averse to the rencounter, as she backed her maintopsail, 
waiting for the Constitution to come down. Tliis was a 
most desirable occurrence to our brave tars, as this frigate 
had, for some time, been in search of an American frigate, 
having given a formal challenge to all our vessels of the 
same class. Sbe had at one of her mastheads a flag, on 
which her name was inscribed in large characters, by way 
of gasconade, and on her forctopsail the words, " Not the 
Little Belt," in allusion to the broadsides which the Presi- 
dent had given that vessel before the war. The Gnerriere 
had looked into several of our ports, and afl'ccted to be 
exceedingly anxious to earn the first laurels from the new 
enemy. The Constitution, being made ready for action, 
now bore down, her crew giving three cheers. At first, it 
was the intention of Captain Hull to bring her to close 
action immediately ; but, on coming within gun-shot, she 
gave a broadside and filled away, then wore, giving a 
broadside on the other tack, but without effect. Both ships 
now continued wearing and manoeuvring for three quar- 
ters of an hour, the Gnerriere attempting to take a raking 
position ; but failing in this, she bore up, under her topsail 
and jib. The Constitution, perceiving this, made sail to 
come up with her. Captain Hull, with admirable coolness, 
received the enemy's fire without returning it. 

The enemy, mistaking this conduct on the part of the 
American commander for want of skill, continued to pour 
out his broadsides, with a view to cripple his antagonist. 
From the Constitution not a gun had been fired. Already 
had an officer twice come on deck, with information that 
several of the men had been killed at their guns. The 
gallant crew, though burning with impatience, silently 
awaited the orders of their commander. The moment so 
long looked for, at last arrived. Sailing-master Aylwin 
having seconded the views of the captain with admirable 
skill, in bringing the vessels exactly to the station intended, 
orders were given, at five minutes before five, P. M., to fire 



600 



WAR OF 1812. 



broadside after broadside in quick succession. The crew 
instantly discovered the whole plan, and entered into it 
with all the spirit the circumstance was calculated to 
inspire. Never was any firing so dreadful. For fifteen 
minutes the vivid lightning of the Constitution's guns con- 
tinued one blaze, and their thunder roared with scarce an 
intermission. The enemy's mizzenmast soon went by the 
board, and he stood exposed to a raking fire, which swept 
his decks. The Guerriere had now become unmanageable ; 
her hull, rigging, and sails dreadfully torn ; when the Con- 
stitution attempted to lay her on board. At this moment, 
Lieutenant Bush, in attempting to throw his marines on 
board, was killed by a musket ball, and the enemy shot 
ahead, but could not be brought before the wind. A rak- 
ing fire now continued for fifteen minutes longer, when his 
mainmast and foremast went, taking with them eyery spar, 




Capture of the Guerriere. 

excepting the bowsprit. On seeing this, the firing ceased, 
and, at twenty-five minutes past five, she surrendered. 
"In thirty minutes," says Captain Hull, "after Ave got 



CAPTURE OF TIlE ALERT. 1812. 601 

fairly alongside of the enemy, she surrendered, and had 
not a spar standing, and her hull, above and below water, 
so shattered, that a few more broadsides must have carried 
her down." 

The Guerriere was so much damaged, as to render it 
impossible to bring her in ; she was, therefore, set fire to 
the next day, and blown up. The damage sustained by 
the Constitution was, comparatively, of so little conse- 
quence, that she actually made ready for action when a 
vessel appeared in sight the next day. The loss on board 
the Guerriere was fifteen killed and sixty-tliree wounded; 
on the side of the Constitution, seven killed and seven 
wounded. It is pleasing to observe, that even the British 
commander, on this occasion, bore testimony to the human- 
ity and generosity with which he was treated by the victors. 
The American frigate was somewhat superior in force, but 
this difference bore no comparison to the disparity of the 
conflict. The Guerriere was thought to be a match for 
any vessel of her class, and had been ranked among the 
largest in the British navy. The Constitution arrived at 
( Boston, on the 2Sth of August, having captured several 

merchant vessels. 
i On the 7th of August, Commodore Porter, of the 

! Essex, fell in with a fleet of merchantmen, and at night 
1 cut out a brig with a hundred and fifty soldiers on board, 
* which was ransomed for fourteen thousand dollars. On 
the 1 3th of August, he fell in with the Alert, a British sloop 
I of war. Notwithstanding the inferiority of force, such was 
I the confidence of the British naval commanders in their 
I own prowess at this period, that the Alert ran immediately 
1 alongside the Essex, and engaged her with three cheers. 
{ In eight minutes the Alert struck her colors, with seven 
' feet water in her hold. She was taken possession of, and 
I brought safe into port. On the 30th, towards dark, the 
i Essex discovered an enemy's frigate, and lay by during 
i the night, with lights hoisted; but in the morning the 
' enemy was not to be seen. The Essex arrived in the Del- 
j aware on the 7th of September. 

A brilliant victory also awaited the frigate United States, 
51 



602 WAR OF 1812. 

under the command of Captain Decatur. On the 25 th of 
October, near the Azores, she encountered the British 
frigate Macedonian, Captain Carden, a new vessel, of excel- 
lent equipment. The Macedonian, having the weather- 
gage, kept at long shot, and this prevented the United 
States from using the greater part of her guns, which were 
carronades. But as soon as the United States Avas able to 
close with her enemy, the action began in earnest, and the 
Macedonian soon had her mizzenmast shot away and her 
other spars and rigging damaged. She struck, after an 
action of an hour and a half from the first shot. The 
superiority of the American gunnery, in this action, was 
very remarkable, both for its greater rapidity and effect. 
From the continued blaze of her guns, the United States 
was, at one moment, thought by her antagonist to be on 
fire; a mistake of very short duration. On board the 
Macedonian there were thirty-six killed and sixty-eight 
wounded. She lost her mainmast, her main-topmast, and 
main yard, and was much cut up in her hull. The United 
States suffered so little, that a return to port was not 
necessary ; she had only five killed and seven wounded. 
Among the killed was Lieutenant Funk, of whom the 
commodore spoke in the highest terms. Lieutenant Allen 
was on this occasion highly applauded. The commodore 
arrived at New York on the 4th of December, with his 
prize. 

Commodore Decatur, already a great favorite, experi- 
enced the same demonstrations of gratitude as were shown 
to Captain Hull ; nor was there denied him that new spe- 
cies of praise, which the generous conduct of our heroic 
seamen has uniformly drawn forth, the praise of the 
enemy. All the private property belonging to the men and 
officers on board the Macedonian, was restored to the cap- 
tured, with the most rigid exactitude ; and their treatment 
was the most polite and humane. An act of generosity 
and benevolence, on the part of our brave tars of the victo- 
rious frigate, deserves to be honorably recorded. The car- 
penter, who was unfortunately killed in the conflict with 
the Macedonian, had left three small children to the care 



CAPTURE OF THE FROLIC. — 1812. 603 

of a worthless mother. When the circumstance became 
known to the brave seamen, they instantly made a contri- 
bution amongst themselves, to the amount of eight hundred 
dollars, and placed it in safe hands, to be appropriated to 
the education and maintenance of the unhappy orphans. 

The feelings of the nation had scarce time to subside, 
when the welcome news of another victory was received ; 
a victory over an enemy most decidedly superior in force, 
and under circumstances the most favorable to him. This 
was the capture of the brig Frolic, of twenty-two guns, 
by the sloop of war Wasp. Captain Jones had returned 
from France two weeks after the declaration of Avar, and, 
on the 13th of October, again put to sea. On the 16th, 
he experienced a heavy gale, in which the Wasp lost her 
jib-boom and two men. On the evening of the following 
day, she found herself near five strange sail, and as two of 
them appeared to be ships of war, it was thought proper to 
keep at a distance. At daylight the next morning, they 
were discovered to be six merchant ships, from Honduras 
to England, under strong convoy of a brig and two ships, 
armed with sixteen guns each. The brig, which proved to 
be the Frolic, Captain Whinyates, dropped behind, while 
the others made sail. 

The Wasp, being prepared for action, at thirty-two 
minutes past eleven o'clock, came down to the windward 
in handsome style, when the action was begun by the 
enemy's cannon and musketry. This she returned, and 
approaching still nearer the enemy, brought her to close 
action. In five minutes the main-topmast of the Wasp 
was shot away, and falling down with the main-topsail 
yard across the larboard fore and fore-topsail, rendered het 
head yards unmanageable during the rest of the action. 
In two minutes more her gaff and mizzen top-gallantmasts 
were shot away. The sea being exceedingly rough, the 
muzzles of the Wasp's guns were sometimes underwater. 

The English fired as their vessel rose, so that their shot 
was either thrown away, or touched the rigging of the 
Americans ; the Wasp, on the contrary, fired as she sunk, 
and every time struck the hull of her antagonist. The 



604 



WAR OP 1812 



Wasp now shot ahead, raked her. and then resumed her 
position. The Frohc's fire had evidently slackened, and 




Capture of the Frolic. 

the Wasp gradually neared her, until, the last broadside, 
they touched her side with their rammers. It was deter- 
mined to lay her by the board. The jib-boom of the Frolic 
came in between the main and mizzen-mast rigging of the 
Wasp, and, after giving a raking fire, which swept the 
whole deck, they resolved to board. Lieutenant Biddle 
sprang on the rigging of the enemy's bowsprit, where he 
was at first somewhat entangled, and Midshipman Barker, 
in his impatience to be on board, caught hold of Biddle's 
coat, and fell back on the deck, but in a moment sprang 
up and leaped on the bowsprit, where he found one Lang 
and another seaman. His surprise can scarcely be imagined, 
when he found no person on deck except three officers, and 
the seaman at the wheel. The deck was slippery with 
blood, and presented a scene of havoc and ruin, such as 
has been seldom witnessed. As he advanced, the officers 
threw down their swords in submission. The colors were 



CAPTURE OF THE JAVA, — 1812. 605 

Still flying, there being no seamen left to pull them down. 
Lieutenant Biddle leaped into the rigging, and hauled them 
down with his own hands. Thus, in forty-three minutes, 
complete possession was taken of the Frolic, after one of 
the most bloody conflicts anywhere recorded in naval his- 
tory. The condition of this unfortunate vessel was inex- 
pressibly shocking. The berth deck was crowded with the 
dead, the dying, and the wounded; and the masts, which 
soon after fell, covered the dead, and everything on deck, 
leaving her a most melancholy wreck. Captain Jones sent 
on board his surgeon, and humanely exerted himself in 
their relief, to the utmost of his power. The loss on board 
the Frolic was thirty killed, and fifty wounded ; on board 
the Wasp, five killed, and five slightly wounded. This 
was one of the rtiost decisive actions fought during the 
war. The Wasp and Frolic were both captured the same 
day by a British seventy-four, the Poictiers, Captain Beres- 
ford. 

The Constitution, under the command of Captain Bain- 
bridge, sailed from Boston again, in October, in company 
with the Hornet sloop of war, on a voyage round Cape 
Horn. They continued in company till they arrived on the 
coast of Brazil. The British sloop of war Bonne Citoyenne 
was then lying in the harbor of St. Salvador, with a large 
quantity of specie on board, and the Hornet, in hope of cap- 
turing her, remained cruising ofl" the place. The Constitu- 
tion parted company, and steered to the south. On the 29th 
of December, she discovered an enemy's frigate, which 
proved to be the Java, Captain Lambert, heavily armed 
and manned, having one hundred seamen over her comple- 
ment, together with a British general and a large number 
of naval and military officers, which she was carrying to 
the East Indies. An action ensued, which lasted two hours, 
first at long-shot and afterwards at close quarters, when 
the Java surrendered, with the loss of sixty killed and above 
a hundred wounded. The Constitution had nine killed 
and twenty-five wounded. The Java was so much dam- 
aged in the action, that she was set on fire by the captors, 
and the prisoners were landed at St. Salvador, on parole. 
51^ 



606 WAR OF 1812. 

Ill consequence of the damage sustained in the action, as 
well as the loss of the company of the Hornet, the Consti- 
tution returned to Boston. 

The surprise and astonishment, both in Europe and 
America, at this brilliant succession of naval victories, 
were unbounded. The arrival of the Constitution at Bos- 
ton, after her first victory, produced a burst of exultation 
among the people, which would seem utterly extravagant 
when considered as caused merely b)'" the capture of an 
enemy's frigate. But at this period the invincibility of the 
British upon the ocean was a belief of so long standing, so 
firmly fixed in the minds of most men, and had been so 
fully confirmed by the uniform good fortune of their navy, 
that the achievement of Captain Hull acted at once like 
the dissolution of a spell. The charm of British invin- 
cibility was now broken, and the highest opinions were 
conceived of the skill and courage of American seamen. 
Captain Hull was received with the highest honors at 
Boston. The wharves were crowded with immense throngs 
of people as he landed. All parties united in welcoming 
him with the most enthusiastic cheers ; and the triumph of 
the American navy \vas the more glorious as it was alto- 
gether unexpected. Congress voted their thanks to the 
ofliccrs and crew of the Constitution, together with fifty 
thousand dollars for the loss of their prize. Many of the 
state legislatures also bestowed public honors upon them. 
The conquerors in the subsequent naval victories received 
similar testimonials. 

The American privateers also met with great success in 
the beginning of the war. Before the end of IS 12, between 
two and tliree hundred prizes were brought into the ports 
of the United States, and the prisoners captured were com- 
puted at more than three thousand. The only public ves- 
sels lost were the schooner Nautilus, and the small brig 
Vixen, which were captured by the enemy's frigates. The 
naval service was now exceedingly popular, and at the 
next session of congress an act was passed, authorizing the 
building of six ships of the line, and twelve frigates and 
sloops of war, together with as many vessels on the lakes 



CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HULL. — 1812. 607 

as should be necessary. From the exhausted state of the 
treasury, however, and the difficulty of raising loans, the 
building of the ships did not proceed with all the rapidity 
that was wished, and none of them, except the smaller 
ones, were completed in season to meet the enemy during 
the war. 

The commencement of the war was not equally favora- 
ble to the Americans by land, from causes which are obvi- 
ous. The land forces of the United States had none of that 
experience and perfect discipline, which had given such 
wonderful efficiency to the little American navy. The sys- 
tem pursued by the war department, moreover, was char- 
acterized by a deplorable want of shrewdness and foresight. 
Instead of appointing to the command of the troops officers 
in the prime of life, characterized by enterprise, activity, 
and prompt, decisive action, the department committed the 
fatal mistake of selecting superannuated officers, past the 
meridian of life, and in a declining state of both corporeal 
and mental power. The only recommendation of these 
men was, in some instances, their revolutionary services; 
but, although in early life they had exhibited courage and 
talent, when the war of 1812 broke out they no longer 
possessed the energy and decision to command armies. 
Under such leaders, the commencement of the Avar was 
signalized by a most mortifying calamity. 

The campaign began on the northwest frontier, where 
the savage tribes, under the instigation of the British, had 
commenced hostilities. The army was placed under the 
command of General Hull, who has acquired the inost 
unfortunate celebrity by the disastrous termination of -his 
campaign. His force consisted of about two thousand five 
hundred men, half of which were Ohio militia. Early in. 
July he moved from his camp at Dayton, and marched .■ 
upon Detroit. Here he prepared to invade Canada, and on 
the 12th of July he crossed the river with most of his force, 
and called by proclamation upon the inhabitants to submit. 
The confident style of this document was by no means in 
the best taste, and was not at all justified by the result of the 
undertaking. By a rapid march he might have overrun a 



608 WAR OF 1812. 

great extent of the country, and kept possession of the 
whole as far as the Niagara frontier, where another Ameri- 
can army, under General Dearborn, was stationed to co- 
operate with him. But Hull possessed neither courage, 
decision, nor skill. He lay idle for more than three weeks 
at Sandwich, near Maiden, opposite Detroit. No British 
force was in the vicinity to impede his march, but this 
long delay enabled the enemy to raise a force of militia 
and Indians, which soon increased to a formidable amount. 

Meantime a body of a thousand British and Indians sud- 
denly appeared before the important fortress of Mackinaw, 
where the garrison consisted of only fifty-seven men, and 
were totally unprepared for hostilities. Such had been the 
negligence of the American government, that no prepara- 
tions whatever had been made for hostilities on the fron- 
tier, up to the day when the declaration of war was issued, 
and the garrison of Mackinaw received the first intelligence 
of that event by a summons to surrender. No resistance 
could be made, and the loss of this important post removed 
every check upon the hostilities of the Indian tribes in the 
neighborhood, who all rose against the Americans, and 
"the whole northern hive," as Hull expressed it, "came 
swarming upon the flanks of the army." 

The negligence and incapacity of the war department 
may go far to explain the disasters of this campaign, but 
they can in no way excuse the sluggishness, indecision and 
cowardice of General Hull, which alone produced the main 
catastrophe. He had it in his power to strike a bold stroke 
and intimidate the enemy, instead of which he lay inactive 
till the British had accumulated a sufiicient force to render 
his designs impracticable. 

Another gross oversight, by an American officer, accel- 
erated the consummation of this train of disasters. Dear- 
born, who commanded on the Niagara frontier, received a 
proposal for a suspension of arms, from Sir George Prevost, 
governor-general of Canada. This proposal was grounded 
on the repeal of the orders in council, the intelligence of 
which had just been received, and, possibly, might lead to 
a treaty of peace. Dearborn suffered himself to be over- 



CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HULL. 1812. 609 

reached in this matter, and agreed, early in August, to an 
armistice, on his own frontier, to continue till the pleasure 
of the president should be known. By this most unwise 
arrangement, Prevost was enabled to detach a large part 
of his force against Hull ; while Dearborn, being at a much 
greater distance by the line of march, could do nothing for 
his relief The president, on learning Dearborn's armis- 
tice, instantly annulled it ; but it was too late. The British 
had triumphed. 

Hull's incapacity, irresolution and sluggish movements, 
had disheartened the whole army. Disasters soon began 
to fall upon them. On the 4th of August, a detachment 
of two hundred men, sent to escort a supply of provisions 
for the army, was defeated at Brownstown, by a party of 
Indians. A council of war was held, and decided that an 
immediate attack ought to be made upon Maiden. In 
consequence, Hull issued a general order for the attack on 
the 7th of August. But, on the next day, to the astonish- 
ment of every one, the army was ordered to break up their 
encampment and recross the river. The troops, although 
now fairly ashamed of their general, were obliged to obey 
orders, and passed over to Detroit. There was a talk 
among the officers of taking the command of the army 
away from General Hull, on account of his gross incapa- 
city'" ; a bold measure, but which would have been justified 
by the necessity of the case. Nothing of the kind, how- 
ever, was done, and Hull, on the following day, detached 
a body of six hundred men, under Colonel Miller, across 
the river again. This party engaged a body of British 
and Indians, near Maguaga village, and drove them off the 
ground with considerable loss. The Indians were com- 
manded by Tecumseh. Miller proceeded to Brownstown, 
but was immediately afterwards ordered back to Detroit, 
and Canada was a second time evacuated. The gross 
blundering and irresolution of the commander-in-chief, 
throughout the whole campaign, are without a parallel in 
American history. 

The British had a force of fifteen hundred men at Mai- 
den, under General Brock, Had the Americans been 



610 WAR OF 1512. 

commanded by an officer of any capacity, offensive opera- 
tions would not have been ventured njx>n by the enemy. 
But Hull's beiiavior tempted the British commander to a 
bold movement. On tlie loth of August, he simnnoued 
Hull to surrender, and. being refused, opened his fire upon 
Detroit. Alter a cannonade of two days, the British cross- 
ed the river, and took jx">st aK>ut three miles from Detroit. 
It is proKible that Brock did not design an immediate 
attack, but hearing that a detachment of three hundred 
men had been recently sent away from Detroit, he deter- 
mined to assault it. The American army was stationed 
in the fort and town, in the most favorable situation for 
receiving the enemy. A sharp condict was exjvcted : the 
Americans were confident of victory. But who can de- 
scribe the chagrin and mortification w*hich took possession 
of these troops } At the very moment the destniction of 
the enemy was certain, orders were given not to fire. The 
troops were orviered to stack their arms. and. to the aston- 
ishment of all. a white dag. in token of submission, was 
suspended from the walls. Words are wanting to express 
the feelings of the Americans on this occasion : they con- 
sidered themselves basely betrayed, in thus surrendering 
to an inferior force, without firing a gun. when they were 
firmly convinced the euemy were in their power. 

General Hull was exchanged for thirty British prisoners, 
brought before a court-martial, charged with treason, cow- 
ardice, and unofficer-like conduct, and A\tis sentenced to 
death. The sentence was remitted by the president, but 
his name was ordered to be struck from tlie rolls of the 
army. The nation was overspread with gloom in conse- 
quence of this disaster, and the Avar would liave become 
highly nupopular. had not an tmexpected turn in the tide 
of success been suddenly edected by the brilliant victories 
soon after achieved by the American navy. 

The catastrophe of the northwestern army had been 
foreseen bv the more sa«racious of the American officers, 
and tlie governor of Ohio was urged, at an early period, to 
send reiuforcements. In Ohio and Kentucky three thou- 
sand of tlie militia were raised, and marched Kwr Detroit, 



HARRISON S CAMPAIGN. — 1SI2. 611 

but on their arm-al at Cincinnati, on the '27th of Ancnst 
tJiey received the news ot" Hiiirs surrender. This caused 
dehn'. Dralts of niihtiu Avere made also in Pennsylvania 
and Virginia, and the whole force was put under the coni- 
maiid of General Harrison. 'IJhe army marched from Cin- 
cinnati to Piqna, on the Cuvat Miami, where Harrison 
received intelligence that Fort Wayne was besieged by the 
Indians. A body of tive hundred men was despatched for 
its relict', and, in a few days, the whole army marched tor 
tlie same place. The Indians, hearhig of Harrison's 
approach, raised the siege and decamped. The army 
arrived at Fort Wayne on the I'iih oi September. A 
detachment, sent for the pin-pose, destroyed the Indian 
towns on the forks of the Wabash. 

Harrison was superseded in the command oi' the army 
by General Winchester, who marched upon Fort Deliance, 
where a strong force of British and Indians was posted. 
They evacuated the fort, and Winchester took possession 
of it on the 20th of September. Four days after this, 
Harrison received his appointment of couimauder-in-chief 
of the northwestern army; and the plan of a campaign 
was projecteil for the pnrpose of covering the western 
frontier and again invading Canada. The season was 
now far advanced, and the American posts were spread 
along a very wide extent of frontier. To penetrate into 
Canada was impracticable ; and, after calcnlating his 
means, Harrison was forced to abandon the scheme of 
attacking Hetroit. Several actions were fought with the 
Indians, bnt no decisive advantage was gained, except the 
destruction of tlie Indian towns and the waste of their 
corn-tields, and the dispersion of such bodies of the sav- 
ages as ventured to collect in any considerable force. 

On the northern frontier, the Americans gained no 
advantages to compensate them for the disaster at Detroit. 
The chief American posts were at Plattsbnrg, Sackett's 
Harbor, Black Rock, and Buffalo. Some hiconsiderable 
skirmishes and incursions took place along the banks of 
the St. Lawrence, which led to no results. On the Niagara 
frontier, a body of New York militia, amounting to three 



612 WAR OF 1SI5. 

tfioiKand men. irnder General Van Rensselaer, had be«i 
assembled lor the invasion of Canada. Their head quar- 
ters were at Lewistown. eight miles below the flails. On 
the 11th of October, they made an attack njx>n tiueeus- 
towii. on the British side. ♦A detachment of regulars was 
sent from Black Rock to assist in the attack. The British 
had roceirod intelligence of ilie design some time previous, 
and sent reinforcements to Ulteensto\^^l from Fort George. 
The Americans embarked to cross the river, when, at the 
same moment, a heavy lire was opened upon them. aiid. 
the current being very strong, the boats were thrown into 
disorder. A body of one himdred men. under Colonel Van 
Rensselaer, landed safely, storme^l the fort and silenced 
tlie enemy's batteries. Reinforcements were soon received 
by both parties, and the battle became general. The British 
were repulsed, and Geuenil Brock, in attempting to rally 
his troops, fell, mortally woundevi : but, assisted by a rein- 
forcement of several hundred Indians, the British returned 
to the attack, and were once more repulsed. Van Rensselaer 
now recrossed the river, to hasten the passage of the troops ; 
but, to his great mortitication. tlie militia, at the critical 
moment, refused to proceed, allesing that the general had 
no authority to lead them beyond tlie territory oi tlie United 
States, 

The victory was thus snatched from the Americans, at 
tlie moment of full success, by tliis coT\*ardly behavior of 
the militia. At length, overpowered by numbers, they 
recrossed the river, with six hundred of their number 
killed and wounded, and the loss of three hundred prison- 
ers. Van Rensselaer resigned the command, and was 
succeedetl by General Smythe, of the regular army, who 
made a feeble attempt against the enemy, by despatching 
a few small parties into Canada. Nothing, however, was 
edected : the militia returned to their homes full of cha- 
grin and mortification at the failure of the cam^viign. from 
^lich they had anticijx^ted some very brilliant results. 
The clamors against Smythe \rere loud and violent, and 
the public opmion set strongly against him. 

Some ships of war had been built by the two hostile 



AFFAIRS 0\ THE LAKFS. 1S12. 613 

parties on the lakes. The American Ontario sqnadron 
Avas commanded by Commodore Channcey. It consisted 
of seven small schooners, and this small lleet kept the 
connnand of the lake throngh the season, allhonirh the 
British had donble the lorce attoat. In November. Chann- 
cey fell in with the Royal (loorge, of twenty-six gnns, and 
chased her into Kingston, where he was repnlsed by the 
batteries. On Lake Erie, the Americans had bnt a single 
armed vessel at the beginning of the war, which was snr- 
rendered at Detroit. On the 9th of October, Lientenant 
Elliot, of the navy, crossed over from Black Rock, and 
cnt ont two British vessels from nnder the gnns of Fort 
Erie. One of them, an armed vessel, was bnrnt, and the 
other. M'ith a valuable cargo of furs, was brought otf in 
sat'ety to Black Rock. 

In November. 1812, congress assembled, and immediately 
took measures to open a negotiation for peace, by instruct- 
ing the American minister at Loudon to give formal assur- 
ance to the British government, that a law shonldbe passed 
forbidding the employment of Hritish subjects in American 
ships, in case the British would reciprocate the regulation; 
thus removing the ground of complaint between the two 
countries on the subject of impressment. The British 
government refused to listen to this proposal, and avowed 
a determination not to abandon the right of impressment, 
on which, it was asserted, the naval power of the empire 
depended. Notwithstanding this, a law M'as passed by 
congress, forbidding the employment of British seamen in 
American vessels, at'ter the close of the existing war. 

Some further attempts were made at an armistice by 
negotiation with Admiral Warren, who commanded the 
British squadron on the American station, but without 
effect. Mr. Madison was this year rcelected president, 
and Elbridge Gerry was elected vice-president. 



62 



CHAPTER XLIIl. 

War of 1812. — HarrisorCs ivinter camfaign — Massacre at the River 
Raisin — Affairs on Lake Ontario — Capture of York — Death of Gen- 
eral Pike — Capture of Fort George — Disaster at Stony Creek and 
Beaver Dam — Attack on Sackett's Harbor — War on the Atlantic coast — 
Devastations of the British in the Chesapeake — Bombardment of Lew- 
istoiim — Cockburn's marauding expedition — Capture of the Peacock — ■ 
Loss of the frigate Chesapeake — Loss of the Argus — Capture of the 
Boxer — Loss of the £sscx — War in the iccst — Di fence of Sandusky 
by Major Croghan — Perry's victoiy 07i Lake Erie — Harrison^s inva- 
sion of Canada — Battle of the Thames and death of Tecumseh. 

The capture of HulFs army laid open the whole north- 
western frontier to the incursions of the British and Indians, 
and it became of the utmost importance to recover posses- 
sion of the territory of Michigan. It was determined, 
therefore, to undertake a campaign in the depth of winter. 
A body of fifteen hundred regulars and militia rendez- 
voused at Upper Sandusky, early in January, 1813, under 
General Harrison. From this post he detached two bodies 
of men, one under General Winchester, to the rapids of 
the Miami, and the other, under Colonel Lewis, to French- 
town, on the river Raisin, which was then threatened by the 
Indians, These detachments, after defeating the enemy 
in some skirmishes, united at Frenchtown. Winchester, 
who took the command, unfortunately neglected all pre- 
cautions, though he had every reason to believe a strong 
body of the enemy were on their march against him. 
About day-light, on the 22d of January, he was suddenly 
attacked by a numerous force of British and Indians, under 
Colonel Procter. The American commanders, Winchester 
and Lewis, were made prisoners, and a portion of the 
Americans put to the rout. The remainder, being advan- 



MASSACRE AT FRENCHTOWN. — 1813. 615 

tageoiisly posted, stood upon their defence, and, although 
hard-pressed hy an overwhehning force, kept the enemy 
at bay. The British represented to Winchester that no- 
thing but an immediate surrender could save the troops 
who held out from being massacred by the Indians, The 
general, influenced by these representations, sent a flag of 
truce, ordering the remainder of the troops to surrender. 
The ammunition of the Americans being nearly expended, 
they surrendered, on condition of being protected by a 
gnard, and having their sick and wounded safely trans- 
ported to Amherstburg on the following day. The British 
commander agreed to these terms, but the unfortunate 
prisoners experienced the most horrible perfidy and cruelty 
from their inhuman captors. The savages tomahawked 
both oflicers and soldiers in cold blood, burnt them alive, 
and strewed their mangled carcasses over the country. 
We shall spare the reader the details of this dreadful mas- 
sacre, which inflicts the deepest infamy on the character 
of Procter and his officers, who made no attempt to prevent 
or stop the inhuman deed. 

The massacre at Frenchtown clothed Kentucky and 
Oliio in mourning. Bands of volunteers, indignant at the 
treachery and cruelty of their foes, hastened to the aid of 
Harrison. He marched to the rapids of the Miami, where 
he erected a fort, which he called Fort Meigs, in honor of 
the governor of Ohio. On the 1st of May, it was invested 
by a large number of Indians, and by a party of British 
troops from Maiden, the whole commanded by Procter. 
On the 6th, General Clay, at the head of twelve hundred 
Kentuckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. Divid- 
ing his force into several parties, he made an impetuous 
onset, and drove the besiegers from their works. His 
troops, supposing the victory complete, and disregarding 
the orders of their commander, dispersed into the woods. 
The enemy, returning from their flight, obtained an easy 
victory. Of the Americans, two or three hundred escaped 
into the fort; about three hundred were killed or made 
prisoners; the remainder fled to the nearest settlements. 
The enemy sustained considerable loss. The fort contin- 



616 WAR OF 1812. 

ued to be defended with bravery and skill. The Indians, 
lanaccustomed to sieges, became weary and discontented. 
On the 8th of May, notwithstanding the entreaties of their 
chief, Tecvimseh, they deserted their allies. On the 9th, 
the enemy, despairing of success, made a precipitate re- 
treat. Harrison, leaving Clay in command, returned to 
Ohio for reinforcements ; but in this quarter active opera- 
tions were not resumed until a squadron had been built 
and prepared for action on Lake Erie. 

At Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, a body of troops 
had been assembled, under General Dearborn, and great 
exertions were made, by Commodore Chauncey, to build 
and equip a squadron on the lake, sufficiently powerful to 
contend with that of the enemy. By the 25th of April, 
the naval preparations were so far completed, that Dear- 
born, Avith seventeen hundred troops, embarked on board 
the fleet, and were conveyed across the lake to the attack 
of York, the capital of Upper Canada, where they arrived 
on the 27th. An advanced party, led by Brigadier-General 
Pike, who was born in a camp, and bred a soldier from his 
"birth, immediately landed, although opposed at the water's 
edge by a superior force. After a short but severe conflict, 
the enemy were driven to their fortifications. The rest of 
the troops having gained the shore, the whole party pressed 
forward, carried the first battery by assault, and were 
moving towards the main works, when the enemy's maga- 
zine blew up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling upon 
the advancing troops immense quantities of stone and 
timber. Great numbers were killed; the gallant Pike 
received a mortal woimd. The troops halted for a moment, 
but, recovering from the shock, again pressed forM'ard, 
and soon gained possession of the town. Of the British 
troops, one hundred were killed, nearly three hundred were 
wounded, and the same number made prisoners. Of the 
Americans, three hundred and twenty were killed and 
wounded, and nearly all of them by the explosion of the 
magazine. The flag which waved over the fort was car- 
ried to the dying general ; at his desire it was placed under 
his head, when, with a smile of triumph on his lips, he ex- 



CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE. 1813. 



617 



pired. The ships, pubHc buildings, and military stores, 
were then destroyed, and the fleet left the place. 




Victory of Yorl\ 

The object of the expedition being attained, the squad- 
ron returned to Sackett's Harbor, where the wounded 
and prisoners being landed, and other troops taken on 
board, it sailed to Fort George, at the head of the lake. 
After a warm engagement, the enemy abandoned, and the 
Americans entered, the fort, on the 27th of May. The fugi- 
tives retired to the heights at the head of Burlington Bay. 
On their retreat, tliey were joined by a detachment from 
Fort Erie and Chippeway. Two brigades, under Generals 
Chandler and Winder, v/ere despatched in pursuit. On 
the evening of the 5th of June, they encamped at Stony 
Creek, in the vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their 
situation desperate, turned upon their pursuers, and at- 
tacked them in the night. The Americans received them 
with coolness; but such was the darkness, that General 
Chandler, intending to place himself at the head of his 
artillery, fell into the midst of a British party. A few 
52*- 



618 



WAR OF 1812. 



minutes afterwards, the same mistake was committed by 
General Winder. Satisfied with the capture of these 
officers, and a few other prisoners, the enemy made a pre- 
cipitate retreat. The American troops returned to Fort 
George. The misfortune was soon followed by another. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Boerstler, having been sent, with five 
hundred men, to disperse a body of the enemy collected at 
the Beaver Dams, was surrounded, and the whole detach- 
ment made prisoners. 




Attack of Sackett's Harbor. 

While the greater part of the American army was thus 
employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon the 
important post of Sackett's Harbor. On the 27th of May, 
their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm guns 
instantly assembled the citizens of the neighborhood. 
Dearborn had resigned, and General Brown, of the New 
York militia, commanded in chief, his whole force amount- 
ing to about one thousand men. By his orders, a slight 
breastwork was hastily thrown up, at the only place 
where the enemy could land. Behind this, he placed the 



ATTACK OF SACKETT S HARBOR. 1813. 619 

militia, the regulars, under Colonel Backus, forming a 
second line. On the morning of the 29th, one thousand 
British troops landed from the squadron. They advanced 
towards the breastwork. The militia, seized with a sudden 
panic, fled in confusion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt 
to rally them, was mortally wounded. The regulars, after 
a spirited resistance, were compelled to retire towards the 
town, but in their retreat they took possession of the house?? 
on the road. From these coverts they poured so destruc- 
tive a fire upon the British coUmm, that it halted and fell 
back. General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this 
slight check into a precipitate tlight. Collecting the panic- 
struck militia, he directed their course along a road, which, 
while it led from the village, appeared to the British com- 
mander to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving them 
marching with great speed, he supposed that their object 
was to cut off his retreat. Stnick with panic, he immedi- 
ately wheeled to the right-about, retreated and reembarked 
so hastily as to leave behind most of his wounded. Gen- 
eral Brown, in recompense for his services, was appointed 
a brigadier in the regular army. 

Meanwhile, upon the sea-coast, a distressing and preda- 
tory war was carried on, by a large detachment from the 
powerful navy of Qreat Britain. One squadron, stationed 
in Delaware Bay, captured and burned every merchant 
vessel which came within its reach. On the 4th of 
February, a squadron, consisting of two ships of the line, 
three frigates, and other vessels, made its appearance in 
the Chesapeake, apparently standing for Hampton Roads. 
The alarm was immediately sounded at Norfolk, and the 
militia called in from the upper part of the state. No 
attempt, however, was made upon the town, the enemy 
contenting himself with destroying the smaller vessels 
employed in the navigation of the bay, and effectively 
blockading its waters. About the same time, another 
squadron, under the command of Commodore Beresford, 
appeared in the Delaware, consisting of the Poictiers, the 
Belvidera, and some other vessels, which, in the same 
manner, destroyed a number of small trading vessels, and 



aiiempted sev^end tkons to Imd. but \rfre as ot^ it^Nabod 
by the militia, ha5ti^y' cdlleded. 

I)n the li^th ot April. Bereslovd BMde a denuuad on Uie 
peof^ <rf the Tillase of I^ewistoim far a snpphr odf proris- 
icKis. xrhich \ras retivsed by Cokniel Daris. ccwimaiidingat 
thai place. The Beiviiiera frigate \ras ordered lo more 
near the Tillage and boiubard it. until the demand shcHild 
be complied vrith. This \ras obeyed, bwt -without ed^l ; 
afker a camionade of twenty hoiirss the enejny \r«fe imable 
to mal^e any imptesssioti on the place. The lire had been 
returned fiom soine batteries, hastily thtvT>\ra up on the 
bank, with cc«isiderable effect. On the lOth of May. the 
same squadrv>n sent out their barses in the neiahborhood 
of l-ewisto\ni. to prvx-iire w^ter. Major Georse Hunter was 
deiachevi. by Ooio*iel l>sivis. with w^^ hundred and fifty 
men. to oppose their landinsr. which the majjor did with so 
miK-h srailantry. that he cvxmivllod them lo haslten k» their 
shippuisr. The squadn-^i soon after returned to Bermuda. 
\»rhere Sir J. l>orfase Warren, who ctxnmaiKied on this 
station, was en^s^ed in titling out a moie oousidaable 
armament for the attack of our sea-ev>ast duiing the sum- 
mer. 

Soon after the departure of the squadrwi. the %iaitan 
and some other friira:es entere\l the IVlaware. CHie of 
their vessels, the Martin, wnas discv>Yerevi. on the ^i9ih c4' 
July, slightly grvnauUxi oji the outer edge of Crow^ :^4ioals. 
A detachment of the gxm-boat flv^tilla immeviiately mored, 
;uid. ancitoriug in a Hue about three quarters of a mile from 
the sloop, ojvned a destructive nre upon her. The JiuhSi 
frigate soon after came od' u> her relief- A cannonade was 
kept up. during an hour. K^iween the gimboats and these 
two vess^^ls. in which the latter suffered great injury. 
Piudiitg it imposssible to drive off this small fleet, they 
manned their launches, temiers. atxi cutters, to cut off the 
gim-Kvits at the extren\ity of the line. Oi>e was unfortu- 
nately taken, after a desperate resisitance against eight 
times her number. 

Scenes of a diilerent kind were. m:;o —--m.'. v.' \\ acting 
ui &e Che«s*peake. T^-.e s\|uadrvH!, \*iiKh leiuruied in 



MARAUDINGS IN THE CHESAPEAKE. 1S13. 621 

February, still contimiod to carry on a predatory war along 
tlie s^hores and inlets. It was here that Admiral Cockbnrn, 
a num inlanious ni the history of the war, began his plun- 
deruiijs and ontrages. At tirst they were directed against 
the detached farm-houses, and seats oi private gentlemen, 
nnprepared for and incapable of delence; these were 
robbed, and the owners treated in the rudest manner. 
The cattle which could not be carried away were doomed 
to wanton destruction. It was impossUile to station a force 
at each farm-house, to repel these miserable and disgracetul 
incursions; yet, in several instances, Cockburn and his 
ruthans were bravely repelled by a collection of the neigh- 
bors, without authority, and under no leader. The spirited 
citizens of Maryland tbrmed bodies of cavalry, which were 
stationed at intervals along the shore, to be drawn out at a 
moment's warning. CtxMcburn took possession of several 
islands in the bay, particularly Sharp's, Tilghman's, and 
Poplar islands, whence he could seize the opportunity of 
making a descent upon the neighboring shores, when the 
inhabitants happened to be otf their guard. Encouraged 
by his success against the farmers, and his rajiacity 
increasing by the bcx^ty which he had aln.\ady obtained, 
Cockburn now resolved to undertake something of a more 
bold and adventurous character, in which his thirst for 
phmder might be gratified in a higher degree. He, there- 
fore, directed liis attention to the unprotected villages and 
hamlets alon? the bay, carefully avoiding the larger towns, 
the plundering of which might be attended with some 
danger. 

The first of these expeditions was against the village of 
Frenchtown, containing six dwelling-houses, two large 
store-houses and several stables. It was important, how- 
ever, as a place of deposit, on the line of packets and 
staires from Philadelphia to the city of Baltimore, and 
Cockburn rightly conjectured that here there might be pri- 
vate property to a considerable amount. He accordingly 
set out on this expedition, from his ship, the Marlborough, 
in barges, with five hundred marines ; a sufficient number 
to have carried the town on their backs. Some show of 



622 WAR OF 1812 

resistance was made by a small party of militia collected 
from Elkton, but which moved off as the admiral ap- 
proached. The store-houses were destroyed, together with 
the goods they were unable to carry off, to an immense 
amount. Amongst other objects of wanton destruction, 
was an elegant drop-curtain, intended for the theatres of 
the cities before mentioned. The brand was applied to 
some of the private dwelling-houses, and to several vessels 
lying at the wharf. After achieving this glorious victory, 
the admiral, fearing the approach of the militia, hastily 
retired to his ship. 

The next exploit of the admiral was of still greater 
importance. The town of Havre de Grace is situated on 
the Susquehannah, about two miles from the head of the 
bay, and is a neat village, containing twenty or thirty 
houses. On the 3d of May, before daylight, his approach 
was announced by a few cannon shot and the firing of 
rockets. The inhabitants, roused from their sleep, leaped 
up in the greatest consternation, and the more courageous 
repaired to the beach, where a few small pieces of artillery 
had been planted on a kind of battery for the purpose of 
defence against the smaller watering or plundering parties 
of the enemy. 

After firing a few shots, the inhabitants, with the excep- 
tion of an old man named O'Xeill, all lied on the approach 
of the barges, abandoning the village to the mercy of Cock- 
burn. O'Neill alone continued to fight, loading a piece of 
artillery, and firing it himself, until, by recoiling, it ran over 
his thigh, and wounded him severely. He then armed 
himself with a musket, and, limping away, still kept up a 
retreating fight with the advancing column of the British, 
who had by this time landed and formed ; after which he 
moved off to join his five or six comrades, whom he 
attempted in vain to rally. 

Cockburn having been reinforced by a fresh squadron, 
under Admiral Warren, containing a number of land troops, 
resolved to make an attempt upon >y'orfolk. and. on the 20th 
of June, the British fleet of thirteen large ships entered the 
mouth of James river. Craney Island, at the mouth of 



CAPTURE OF THE PEACOCK. 1S13. 623 

the harbor of Norfolk, was defended by a breastwork with 
a smgle eighteen pounder. On the 22d, the barges from the 
ships, full of men, made an assault upon this fortification, 
but were so warmly received that many of them were sunk, 
and the rest took to tlight. A strong body of troops, in the 
mean time, attempted to land on the island by crossing the 
strait which separates it from the continent, but were 
repulsed with great slaughter. The whole British loss 
amounted to above two hundred men. 

Moriitied by this repulse. Cockburn next turned his arms 
against the little town of Hampton. On the 25th of June, 
a fleet of barges and tenders made their appearance before 
the place, and opened a heavy cannonade. In their first 
attempt they were repulsed by the inhabitants ; but, having 
strengthened their force with two thousand land troops, the 
British gained the shore, plundered the town, and perpe- 
trated the most brutal and revoltmg barbarities on the 
inhabitants, sparing neither sex nor age. This infamous 
transaction was felt to be so disgraceful to the British name, 
that Beckwith, the commander of the troops, published a 
formal declaration that his men should not be landed again. 
Cockburn, however, true to his infamous character, signal- 
ized himself by another plundering exploit in July, by the 
capture and pillage of the small town of Portsmouth in 
North Carolina. 

The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre of 
sanguinary conflicts, in which the Americans gained untar- 
nished laurels. The Hornet continued to blockade the 
Bonne Citoyenne at St. Salvador, and at length Captain 
Lawrence challenged her commander to meet him at sea. 
The challenge being declined. Captain Lawrence remained 
otf the port, until forced by a ship of the line to retire. The 
Hornet made sail to the north, and cruised ofl' the coast of 
Surinam. On the 23d of February, 1S13, she fell in with 
the British brig of war Peacock, of about equal force. A 
fierce action ensued. In less than fifteen minutes, the Pea- 
cock struck her colors, displaymg, at the same time, a sig- 
nal of distress. The victors hastened to the relief of the 
vanquished, and the same strength which had been exerted 



624 



WAR OF 1812. 



to conquer was now exerted to save. Their efforts were 
but partially successful. She sunk before all her crew 
could be removed, carrying down nine British seamen and 
three brave and generous Americans. In the battle, the 
loss of the Hornet was but one killed and two wounded ; 
that of the Peacock was never ascertained. During the 
whole of the conflict, another British brig of war, the L'Es- 
peigle, lay at anchor within sight; and the Hornet was 
cleared for another action. The brig, however, got under 
way and escaped. The Hornet returned to New York 
shortly afterward. 




Capture of the Peacock. 

Captain Lawrence was promoted to the command of the 
frigate Chesapeake, then in the harbor of Boston. For sev- 
eral weeks, the British frigate Shannon, of equal force, but 
having a selected crew, had been cruising before the port ; 
and Captain Broke, her commander, had announced his 
wish to meet, in single combat, an American frigate. In- 
flamed by this challenge. Captain Lawrence, although his 
crew was just enlisted, and his officers were strangers to 



CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE. 1813. 625 

hini and to each other, set sail, on the 1st of June, in pur- 
suit of the Shannon. Towards evening of the same day. 
they met off Boston Ught, and instantly engaged, with unex- 
ampled fury. In a very few minutes, and in quick suc- 
cession, the sailing-master of the Chesapeake was killed ; 
Captain Lawrence and three lieutenants were severely 
wounded ; her rigging was so cut to pieces that she fell on 
board the Shannon ; her chest of arms blew up ; Captain 
Lawrence received a second and mortal wound, and was 
carried below. At this instant, the position of the ships 
being favorable, Captain Broke, at the head of his marines, 
boarded the Chesapeake, when, every officer who could 
take command being killed or wounded, resistance ceased, 
and the American flag was struck by the enemy. This 
unexpected defeat impelled the Americans to seek for cir- 
cumstances consoling to their pride ; and, in the journals of 
the day, many such were stated to have preceded and 
attended the action. But nothing could allay their grief at 
the fall of the youthful and intrepid Lawrence. His pre- 
vious victory and magnanimous conduct had rendered him 
-the favorite of the nation, and he was lamented with sor- 
row, deep, sincere, and lasting. When carried below, he 
was asked if the colors should be struck. "No," he re- 
plied, " they shall wave while I live." When the fate of 
the ship was decided, his proud spirit was broken. He 
became delirious from excess of mental and bodily suffer- 
ing. Whenever able to speak, he would exclaim, "Don't 
give up the ship ! " — an expression consecrated by his coun- 
trymen ; and he uttered but few other words during the 
four days that he survived his defeat. 

This victory was not achieved without loss. Of the crew 
of the Shannon, twenty-four were killed, and flfty-six 
wounded. Of that of the Chesapeake, forty-eight were 
killed, and nearly one hundred wounded. Great was the 
exultation of the enemy. Victories over the frigates of 
other nations were occurrences too common to excite emo- 
tion; but the capture of an American frigate was considered 
a glorious epoch in the naval history of Great Britain. The 
honors and rewards bestowed upon Captain Broke, were 
53 



626 WAR OF 1812. 

such as had never before been received but by the con- 
queror of a squadron. These demonstrations of triumph 
were inadvertent confessions of American superiority, and 
were to the vanquished themselves sources of triumph and 
consolation. 

The next naval engagement was fought in the English 
channel, on the 14th of August, between the American brig 
Argus and the British brig Pelican. The British vessel 
was of superior force, and was victorious. Lieutenant 
Allen, who commanded the Argus, was killed. After this 
disaster, success again inclined to the side of the Ameri- 
cans. On the 4th of September, the American brig Enter- 
prise, commanded by Lieutenant Burrows, captured the 
British brig Boxer, commanded by Captain Biytlie. These 
vessels were of equal force, but the great effect of the fire 
of the Enterprise furnished to the Americans another proof 
of the superior skill of their seamen. Both commanders 
were killed in the action, and were buried, each by the 
other's side, in Portland. 

Porter, in the Essex, had been cruising in the Pacific for 
nearly a year, in the conrse of which he had captured sev- 
eral British armed whale ships. Some of these were equip- 
ped as American cruisers and store-ships; and the Atlantic, 
now called the Essex Junior, of twenty guns and sixty 
men, was assigned to Lieutenant Downes. The prizes 
which were to be laid up, were convoyed by this officer to 
Valparaiso. On his return he brought intelligence to Cap- 
tain Porter that a British squadron, consisting of one frig- 
ate and two sloops of war, and a store-ship of twenty guns, 
had sailed in quest of the Essex. The commodore took 
measures immediately to repair his vessel, which having 
accomplished, on the 12th of December, 1813, he sailed for 
Valparaiso, in company with the Essex Junior. Not long 
after the arrival of Porter at Valparaiso, Captain Hillyar 
appeared there in the Phoebe frigate, accompanied by the 
Cherub sloop of war. These vessels had been equipped 
for the purpose of meeting the Essex, with picked crews, 
in prime order, and hoisted flags bearing the motto, "God 
and our country, British sailors' best rights ; traitors offend 



CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX. — 1814. 627 

ikemJ^ This was in allusion to Porter's celebrated motto, 
"Free trade and sailor's rights." He now hoisted at his 
mizzen, "God, our country, and liberty: tyrants offend 
them." On entering the harbor, the British commodore 
fell foul of the Essex, in such a situation as to be placed 
completely in the power of the latter. The forbearance of 
Captain Porter was acknowledged by the English com- 
mander, and he passed his word and honor to observe the 
same regard to the neutrality of the port. 

The British vessels soon after sailed and cruised off the 
port about six weeks, rigorously blockading the Essex. 
Their united forces amounted to eighty-one guns, and about 
five hundred men, — about double that of the Essex; but the 
circumstance of this force being divided in two ships, ren- 
dered the disparity still greater, and was by no means 
counterbalanced by the Essex Junior. Captain Porter, 
being prevented, by this great disparity of force, from en- 
gaging, made repeated attempts to draw the Phoebe into 
action singly, either by manoeuvring or sending formal 
challenges; but Captain Hillyar carefully avoided the com- 
ing to action alone. The American commander, hearing 
that an additional British force was on its way, and hav- 
ing discovered that his vessel could outsail those of the 
British, determined to venture out, and, while the enemy 
was in chase, enable the Essex Junior to escape to a place 
of rendezvous previously appointed. On the 28th of March, 
1814, the wind coming on to blow fresh from the south- 
ward, the Essex parted her starboard cable, and dragged 
her larboard anchor to sea. Not a moment was lost in 
getting sail on the ship, as it was determined to seize this 
moment to escape. In endeavoring to pass to the wind- 
ward of the enemy, a squall struck the Essex, just as she 
was doubling the point, which carried away her main-top- 
mast. The British immediately gave chase, and Captain 
Porter, being unable to escape in his crippled state, endeav- 
ored to put back into the harbor ; but, finding this imprac- 
ticable, he ran into a small bay, and anchored within pistol 
shot of the shore, where, from a supposition that the enemy 
would continue to respect the neutrality of the port, he 



628 WAR OF 1812. 

thought himself secure. The British ships, however, im- 
mediately attacked him. The unmanageable condition of 
the Essex enabled them to take the most advantageous posi- 
tions for raking her, so that the entire broadsides of the 
enemy took effect, while the Essex could bring but three 
guns to bear upon them. Still she maintained the conflict 
for three hours, when, having one hundred and twenty-four 
of her crew killed and wounded, and being set on fire by 
the shot of the enemy, she struck her colors. Captain Por- 
ter was paroled, and permitted to return to the United States 
in the Essex Junior, which was converted into a cartel for 
the purpose. On arriving otl the port of New York, the 
vessel was detained by the Saturn razee, and, to the dis- 
grace of the British navy, he was compelled to give up his 
parole, and declare himself a prisoner of v\rar, and, as such, 
he informed the British oflicer that he would attempt his 
escape. In consequence of this threat, the Essex Junior 
was ordered to remain under the lee of the Saturn ; but the 
next morning Captain Porter put off in his boat, though 
thirty miles from shore, and, notwithstanding the pursuit 
by those of the Saturn, arrived safely in New York. 

Meantime, important preparations were making on the 
western frontier, although the spring and summer of t813 
had passed away without any incident in this quarter 
worthy of being recorded. The general attention was now 
turned towards it with much anxiety, and the armies of 
the Niagara and St. Lawrence rested on their arms, await- 
ing the issue of Harrison's campaign, and the result of the 
contest for the supremacy on lake Erie. The British, 
aAvare of the consequence of a defeat, had, w^ith great assi- 
duity, labored to strengthen themselves. The reinforce- 
ments continually arriving at Fort George, were evidently 
destined to follow up the advantages which Procter might 
gain, in conjunction with the commander on the lake. In 
, the mean while, in the neighboring states of Kentucky and 
Ohio, the people were excited in a most surprising degree ; 
had it been necessary, they would have risen en masse ; 
almost every man capable of bearing a musket was anx- 
ious to march. The governor of Ohio had scarcely issued 



Harrison's campaign. — isis. 629 

his proclamation, calling on volunteers, (for the obligations 
of law to render military service were no longer thought of,) 
than fifteen thousand men presented themselves, completely- 
armed and equipped, — more than five times the number 
required. 

Shelby, the venerable governor of Kentucky, a revolu- 
tionary hero, and the Nestor of the war, made it known 
that he would put himself at the head of the citizens of 
that state, and lead them to seek revenge for the murder 
of their relatives and friends, but limited the number of 
volunteers to four thousand. The state of Kentucky, 
called, by the natives, " the dark and bloody ground," 
forty years ago was an uninhabited forest, possessed by no 
tribe of Indians, but, from time immemorial, the theatre of 
sanguinary wars. At this day, it blooms beneath the hand 
of agriculture; it is filled with beautiful towns and villages, 
and is the abode of peace, opulence, and refinement. The 
inhabitants are descended from the planters of A^irginia 
and North Carolina, and emigrants composed of the enter- 
prising and intelligent of the other states. Living in 
abundance, and at their ease, and more remote from the 
seats of commerce, they have imbibed less of foreign attach- 
ments or feelings than any of our people, and are, perhaps, 
more enthusiastically devoted to the institutions of free- 
dom. They have not a little of the manners of chivalry in 
their generous and hospitable deportment ; fearless of dan- 
ger, regarding dishonor more than death, but, with these 
qualities, a benevolence and humanity which has scarcely 
a parallel. Had the elder brethren of this confederacy acted 
like this younger member, the Canadas would have been 
ours, and Britain would never have dared to insult us 
Avith her unwarrantable pretensions. 

The transactions which are now to be related, may 
justly rank amongst the most pleasing to our feelings and 
national pride, of any which took place during the contest. 
The campaign opened with an affair, which, though com- 
paratively of smaller consequence than some others, is, in 
its circumstances, one of the most brilliant that occurred 
during th^ war. This was the unparalleled defence of Fort 
53*= 



630 WAR OF 1812. 

Sandusky, by a small body of troops commanded by a youth 
of twenty-one years of age. In August, 1813, before the 
arrival of the Ohio and Kentucky volunteers, which did 
not take place until the following month, hostile move- 
ments had been made iipon all the dillcrent forts estab- 
lished by the Americans on the rivers which fall into lake 
Erie. After the siege of Fort Meigs, the British had been 
considerably reinforced by regulars, and an unusual num- 
ber of Indians, under their great leader, Tecumseh. It was 
all-important to reduce these forts before the arrival of the 
volunteers. jMajor Croghan, then commanding at Upper 
Sandusky, having received intimation that the enemy 
were about to invest the fort of Lower Sandusky, had 
marched to this place with some additional force, and had 
been occupied v/itli great assiduity in placing it in the best 
posture of defence. But the only addition of importance 
which the time would allow him to make, was a ditch, of 
six feet deep, and nine feet wide, outside the stockade of 
pickets by which these hastily constructed forts are en- 
closed, but which can aflbrd but a weak defence against 
artillery. He had but one six-pounder, and about one 
hundred and sixty men. consisting of regulars and detach- 
ments of the Pittsbursh and Petersburgh volunteers. Gen- 
eral Harrison, not conceiving it practicable to defend the 
place, ordered Croghan to retire on the approach of the 
enemy, after having destroyed the works. This, our young 
hero, taking the responsibility upon himself, determined to 
disobey. 

On the first of August, Procter, having left a large body 
of Indians, under Tecumseh. to keep up the appearance of 
a siege of Fort Meigs, arrived at Sandusky with about five 
hundred regulars, seven hundred Indians, and some gun- 
boats. After he had made such dispositions of his troops 
as to cut ofl!" the retreat of the sarrison, he sent a flas, 
demanding a surrender, accompanied with the usual base 
and detestable threats of butchery and cold blood massacre, 
if the garrison should hold out. A spirited answer was 
returned by Croghan, who found that all his companions, 
chiefly striplings like himself, would support hjm to the 



CROGHAN's defence of SANDUSKY. — 1813. 631 

last. When the flag returned, a brisk fire was opened 
from the gun-boats and howitzer, and which was kept 
up during the night. In the morning, they opened with 
three sixes, which had been planted, under cover of the 
night, within two hundred and fifty yards of the pick- 
ets, but not with much effect. About four o'clock in the 
afternoon, it was discovered that tlie enemy had concen- 
trated his fire against the northwest angle, with the inten- 
tion of making a breach. This part was immediately 
strengthened by bags of flour and sand, so that the pickets 
suflered but little injury. During this time, the six-pounder 
was carefully concealed in the bastion, which covered the 
point to be assailed, and it was loaded with slugs and 
grape. 

About five hundred of the enemy noAv advanced in close 
column to assail the part where it was supposed the pick- 
ets must have been injured ; at the same time making 
several feints, to draw the attention of the besieged to 
other parts of the fort. Their force being thus divided, a 
column of three hundred and fifty men, which were so 
enveloped in smoke as not to be seen until they approaclied 
within twenty paces of the lines, advanced rapidly to the 
assault. A fire of musketry from the fort for a moment 
threw them into confusion, but they were quickly rallied 
by Colonel Short, their commander, who, now springing 
over the outer works into the ditch, commanded the rest to 

follow, crying out, "Give the d d Yankees no quarter ! " 

Scarcely had these words escaped his lips, and the greater 
part of his followers landed in the ditch, when the six- 
pounder opened upon them a most destructive fire, killing 
and wounding the greater part, and, amongst the first, the 
wretched leader, who was sent into eternity before his 
words had died upon the air. A volley of musketry was, 
at the same time, fired upon those who had not ventured. 
The ofiicer who succeeded Short, exasperated at being 
thus treated by a few boys, formed his broken column, and 
again rushed to the ditch, where he, and those who dared 
to foHow him, met with the same fate as their fellow-sol- 
diers. The small arms were again played on them — the 



632 WAR OF 1812. 

whole British force was thrown into confusion, and, in 
spite of the exertions of their officers, fled to the woods 
panic-struck, whither they were soon followed by the 
Indians. The little band of defenders, forgetting in a 
moment that they had been assailed by merciless foes, 
who sought to massacre them, without regarding the laws 
of honorable war, now felt only the desire of reliev- 
ing wounded men, and of administering comfort to the 
wretched. Had they been friends, had they been brothers, 
they could not have experienced a more tender solicitude. 
The whole night was occupied in endeavoring to assuage 
their sulferings ; provisions and buckets of water were 
handed over the pickets, and an opening was made, by 
Avhich many of the sufierers were taken in, who were im- 
mediately supplied with surgical aid; and this, although a 
firing Avas kept up with small arms by the enemy until 
some time in the night. The loss of the garrison amounted 
to one killed and seven wounded ; that of the enemy was 
supposed to be at least two hundred. Upwards of fifty 
were found in and about the ditch. It was discovered, 
next morning, that the enemy had hastily retreated, leav- 
ing a boat and a considerable quantity of military stores. 
Upwards of seventy stand of arms were taken, besides a 
quantity of ammunition. This exploit called forth the 
admiration of every party in the United States. Croghan, 
together with his companions, were highly complimented 
by General Harrison. They afterwards received the 
thanks of congress. Croghan was promoted to the rank 
of lieutenant-colonel, and presented with an elegant sword 
by the ladies of Chilicothe. Soon after this affair, Tecum- 
seh raised the siege of Fort Meigs, and followed Procter to 
Detroit. All hope was now given up by the enemy of 
reducing these forts, nntil they could gain the ascendency 
on the lake. 

The utmost exertions had been made, in the mean while, 
by Captain Perry, to complete the naval armament on 
lake Erie. By the 4th of August, the fleet was manned; 
but several of the vessels were with difficulty got over 
the bar of Port Erie, on which there are but five feet 



BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 1813. 633 

water. He sailed in quest of the enemy, but, not meeting 
him, returned on the 8th, and, after receiving a reinforce- 
ment of sailors, brought by Captain ElUot, sailed again on 
the 12th, and on the 15 th anchored in the bay of Sandusky. 
Here, after taking in about twenty volunteer marines, he 
again went in quest of the enemy ; and, after cruising off 
Maiden, returned to Put-in Bay, a distance of thirty miles. 
His fleet consisted of the brig Lawrence, of twenty guns ; 
the Niagara, Captain Elliot, of twenty; the Caledonia, 
Lieutenant Turner, three ; the schooner Ariel, of four ; the 
Scorpion, of two ; the Somers, of two, and two SAvivels ; 
the sloop Trippe, and schooners Tigress and Porcupine, 
of one gun each ; making a fleet of nine vessels, and fifty- 
four guns. On the morning of the 10th of September, the 
enemy was discovered bearing down upon the American 
squadron, which immediately got under weigh, and stood 
out to meet him. The superiority was decidedly on the 
side of the British. The Americans had three more vessels, 
but this was much more than counterbalanced by the size 
of those of the enemy, and the number of their guns. 
Their fleet consisted of the Detroit, Captain Barclay, of 
nineteen guns, and two howitzers ; the Queen Charlotte, 
of seventeen guns, Captain Finnis; the schooner Lady 
Prevost, Lieutenant Buchan, of thirteen guns, and two 
howitzers ; the brig Hunter, of ten guns ; the sloop Little 
Belt, of three; and the schooner Chippewa, of one gun 
and two swivels ; in all, six vessels and sixty-three guns. 

The Americans stood out of the bay. The British fleet 
had the weather-gage ; but the wind soon after changed, 
and brought the American fleet to windward. The line of 
battle was formed at eleven, and fifteen minutes before 
twelve, the enemy's flag-ship, the Queen Charlotte, opened 
her fire upon the Lawrence, which she sustained for ten 
minutes, before she could approach near enough for her 
carronades to return. She, therefore, bore up, making sig- 
nals for the other vessels to hasten to her support, and, 
about twelve, brought her guns to bear upon the enemy. 
The wind being too light, the remainder of the squadron 
could not be brought up to her assistance, and she was 



634 



WAR OF 1812. 



compelled to fight two hours, with two ships of equal 
force. The contest war, notwithstanding, kept up with 
unshaken courage, and a degree of coolness which deserves 
admiration. By this time the Lawrence, which had so 
long borne the tire of the whole of the British force, had 
become entirely immanagcable; every gun was dismounted, 
and, with the exception of four or five, her Avhole crew 
either killed or wounded. Perry now, with admirable 
presence of mind, resolved to shift his flag, leaped into his 
boat, and, heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt to 
the Niagara. 

At the moment he reached the Niagara, he saw with 
anguish the flag of his ship come down ; she was utterly 
unable to make farther resistance, and it would have been 
a wanton waste of the remaining lives to continue the con- 
test. The enemy was not able to take possession of her. 




Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 

Captain Elliot, seconding the design of the commodore, 
volunteered to bring up the rest of the fleet; for, at this 
critical moment, the wind had increased. Perry now bore 



VICTORY ON LAKE KKIE. — 1813. 635 

doAvii upon the enemy with a fresh ship, and, passing 
ahead of the Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Lady Prevost, 
poured a destructive broadside into each from his starboard, 
and from his larboard into the Chippewa and Little Belt. 
In this manner, cutting through the line, he was within 
pistol shot of the Lady Prevost, which received so heavy 
a fire as to compel her men to run below. At this moment 
the Caledonia came up, and opened her lire. Several others 
of the squadron were enabled soon after to do the same. 
The issue of a campaign, the mastery of a sea, the glory 
and renown of two rival nations, matched for the first time 
in squadron, were the incentives to the contest. But it 
was not long before the scale turned in favor of Perry, and 
his ship, the Lawrence, was again enabled to hoist her flag. 
The Queen Charlotte, having lost her captain and all her 
principal officers, by some miscliauce ran foul of the De- 
troit, and the greater part of the guns of both ships were 
rendered useless. They were now compelled to sustain, 
in turn, an incessant fire from the Niagara, and the other 
vessels of the squadron. The Hag of Captain Barclay was 
soon after struck, and those of the Queen Charlotte, the 
Lady I^-evost, the Hunter, and the Chippewa, came down 
in succession; the Little Belt attempted to escape, but was 
pursued by two gun-boats and captiucd. 

Thus, after a contest of three hours, was tliis important 
naval victory achieved, in which every vessel of the enemy 
was captured. If anything could heighten this glorious 
victory, it was the modest and yet sublime manner in 
which it was announced by the incomparable Perry : '-We 

HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE OURS." Britain had 

been beaten in single combat, — she was now beaten in 
squadron, where she had conceived herself invincible. 
The loss in this bloody affair was very great in proportion 
to the numbers engaged. The Americans had twenty- 
seven killed, and ninety-six wounded; amongst the first 
were Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, and Midshipman 
Laub ; amongst the latter were Lieutenant Yarnell, Sail- 
ing-master Taylor, Purser Hamilton, and Midshipmen 
Claxton and Swartwout. The loss of the British was 



636 WAR OF 1S12. 

about two hundred in killed and wounded : and tlie num- 
ber of prisoners amounted to six hundred, exceeding the 
whole number of the Americans. Commodore Barclay, a 
gallant othcer. who had lost an arm at the battle of Tra- 
falgar, was severely wounded, and the loss of officers, on 
the side of the British, was unusually great. Anion? the 
officers particularly spoken of on this occasion, were Cap- 
tain Elliot, Lieutenants Turner. Edwards, Forest, Clark, 
and Cummings, besides those already mentioned. The 
victory of Commodore Perry left the Americans in fiill 
command of lake Elrie. but Detroit and Maiden still 
remained in possession of the British. The triumph of 
the .\mericau arms seemed to unite conflicting parties : and 
the kindness extended to the British captives reflected the 
briglitest glory on our comitry. 

But the territory still occupied by the enemy was to be 
retaken. For the accomplishment of tliis purpose, Colonel 
Johnson, with a body of Kentuckians. were destined to act 
against Detroit, and Harrison was to march against Mai- 
den. Finding Maiden untenable, the British general 
destroyed, and tlien evacuated it. On the 2d of October, 
Harrison, with about three thousand five hundred men. 
crossed the river into Canada, commenced a pursuit, and, 
on the 5th. the enemy w-as overtaken at the Moravian 
towns, on the Tiiames. Colonel .Tohnson. who had formed 
a junction with General Harrison, being sent forward to 
i-ecmmoitre the British and Indian forces, gave intelligence 
tliat the enemy were prepared for action, at the distance 
of a few miles. On their left w^s the rirer, and their 
right, consisting of Indians, mider Tecumseh. rested on a 
swamp. The American force consisted of Ohio militia 
and four thor.s;vud Kentuckians, the flower of their 
state, commandetl by Governor Shelby, who arrived at 
the camp of General Harrison on the 7tli oi September. 
The enemy was drawn up under cover of a beech wood, 
by which a narrow strip of land was covered. The 
Americans w-ere so<-»n formed in battle array. General 
Trotter's brigade lormod the front line, supported by 
Deslia's divisions on the left. The brigade of General 




1 



Lord MajisJuM. 




Oliver Hazard Perry, 





Wiihi:-n M'irt. 



BATTLE OF THB THAMES, 1S13. 637 

King formed the second line, in rear of General Trotter's, 
and Chiles acted as a corps of reserve, both under the 
command ot Major-General Henry. The brigades aver- 
aged tive hmidred men each. Governor Shelby occupied 
the angle formed by the brigades of Trotter and Desha. 
The regular troops, numbermg only one hundred and 
twenty men, were formed into cohmms. and occupied the 
narrow space between the river and the road, for the pur- 
pose of seizing the artillery, should the enemy be repulsed. 
The order of General Harrison was. to form Colonel John- 
son's mounted men in two lines, in front of the Indians, hut 
the underwood being too close for cavalry to be etiective, 
he determined on a new mode of attack. 

Knowing the dexterity of the backwoodsmen in riding 
through forests, and the little mcouvenience to them of 
carrying their rides in such a situation. Harrison deter- 
mined to refuse his left to the Indians, and charge on the 
regulars draw^l up among the beech trees. The mounted 
regiment was accordingly drawn up in front. The army 
moved on but a short distance, when tlie mounted men 
received the enemy's fire, and were instantly ordered to 
charge. The horses in front of the column at first recoiled 
from the fire, but soon after got in motion, and immediately, 
at full speed, broke ilirough the enemy with irresistible 
force. In one minute the contest was over in front. The 
moimted men instantly formed in the rear, and poured a 
destructive fire, and were about to make another charge, 
when the British otficers. finding it impossible to form their 
broken ranks, iimuediately surrendered. Upon the left the 
onset was begim by Tecumseh with great fury. Colonel 
R. M. Johnson, who commanded on that flank of his regi- 
ment, received a galling fire, which he returned with elTect, 
while the Indians advanced towards the point occupied by 
Governor Shelby, and at first made an impression on it : 
but the aged warrior brought a regiment to its support. 
The combat now raged with increasmg fur\' : the Indians, 
to the number of twelve or fifteen hundred, seemed deter- 
mined to maintain their groimd to the last. 

The terrible voice of Tecimiseh could be distinctlv heard 
54 



63$ 



WAR OK ISU: 



encouraging his warriors: and, although besei on every 
side, ejtcepiiug on that of the morass, they fought with 
more determiuevl courage than had ever been witnessed ux 
these people. An incident soon occurred, however, which 
decidevi the contest. Colonel Johnson rushed towards the 
spot where the warriors, clustering aroimd their imdaunied 
chiel^ appeared resolved to perish by his side. In a moment 
a himdred rifles were aimed at the American, whose imi- 
Ibrm, and while horse which he rode, rendered him a con- 
spicuous object. His holsters, dressy and accoutrements, 
were pierced with bullets, his horse and himself receiving a 
number of womids. At the instant his horse was about to 
sink under him. the daring Koaluckian. covered wiihb'uxxi 
from his woimds, was discovered by Tecimiseh. The chief, 
havmg discharged his rifle, sprang forwarvl with his toma- 
hawk, but, struck with the appearance of the warrior who 
stood before him, hesitated for a moment^ and that moment 




"was his last. The Keutuckian leveDed a pistd at his 
breast, and they both, alniost at the same instant, fell to die 



I 



TKATH OF TECUMSKH. 1813. 639 

grmind. The Kentiickiaiis riislied forward to the rescue 
of their leader, and the Indians, no longer hearing the voice 
of Tecuniseh, soon after lied. Near the spot Avhere this 
scene occnrred, thirty Indians Avere tbinid dead, and six 
whiles. 

Thus fell Tecumseh, one oi' the most celebrated Indian 
wariiors that ever raised the tomahawk against us, and 
with hiui fell the last hope of our Indian enemies. This 
mighty warrior was the determined foe of civilization, and 
had for years been laboring to miite all the Indian tribes in 
opposing the progress of the settlements to the westward. 
Had such a man opposed the iMirojiean colonists on their 
first arrival, this continent, in all probability, would still 
have been a wilderness. To those who prefer a savage, 
uncultivated waste, inhabited by wolves and panthers, and 
by men more savage still, to the busy city, to the ])eacefid 
handet and cottage, to science and the comforts of civili/.a- 
tion, — to such it may be a source ot' regret that Tecumst'h 
came too late. But if the cultivation of the earth, and the 
cultivation of the human intellect and the human virtues, 
are agreeable in the sight of the Creator, it may be a just 
cause of felicitation that this champion of barbarism was 
the ally of (u'eat i>ritain at a period when he could only 
draw down destruction on his own head, by savagely 
daring what was beyond his strength. But Tecumseh fell, 
respected by his enemies as a great and magnanimous 
chief Although he seldom took prisoners in battle, ho 
treated well those that had been taken by others; and, at 
the defeat of Dudley, ac(iu\lly put to death a chief whom 
he found engaged in the work of massacre. He had been 
in almost every engagement with the whites since Har- 
mer's defeat, although, at his death, he scarcely exceeded 
forty years of age. 

Tecumseh had received the stamp of greatness from the 
hand of nature, and had his lot been cast in a dillerent 
state of society, he would have shone as one of the most 
distinguished of men. He was endowed with a powerful 
mind, with the soul of a hero. There was an uncommon 
dignity in his countenance and manners. By the former he 



640 WAR OF 1812. 

could be easily discovered, even after death, among the rest 
of the slain, for he wore no insignia of distinction. When 
girded \rith a silk sash, and told by General Procter that 
he was made a brigadier in the British service, for his con- 
duct at Brownstown and Magagua, he returned the present 
with respectful contempt. Born with no title to command 
but his native greatness, every tribe yielded submission to 
him at once, and no one ever disputed his precedence. 
Subtle and fierce in war, he possessed uncommon elo- 
quence. His speeches might bear a comparison with those 
ol the most celebrated orators of Greece and Rome. His 
invective was terrible, as we had frequent occasion to 
experience, and as may be seen in the reproaches which 
he applied to Procter, a few days before his death, in a 
speech which was foimd amongst the papers of the British 
officers. His form was uncommonly elegant, his statmre 
about six feet, liis limbs perfectly proportioned. He was 
honorably interred by the victors, by whom he was held 
in much respect, as an inveterate, but a magnanimous 
enemy. 

The loss of the Americans, in this engagement, was more 
than fifty killed and wounded, among whom was Colonel 
Whitely. a revolutionary soldier, killed. The loss of the 
British was nineteen killed, and fifty woimded. Six hun- 
dred were taken prisoners. Of the Indians, one himdred 
and twenty were left on the field. Several pieces of can- 
non, taken in the revolution, and which had been surren- 
dered by General Hull, were trophies of this Tictory. 
General Procter fled when the charge was made, and 
escaped down the Thames, by means of fleet horses, 
though closely pursued. His carriasfe, together with his 
private papers, were captured. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

War of 1812. — Opcraiwns on the northern frontier — Wilkinson ap- 
pointed to the command — Expedition against Montreal — Affair of 
Chri/stler's Field — March of Hampton — Failure of the campaign — 
Naval affairs on Lake Ontario — Burning of Narark — Capture of 
Fort Niagara — Burning of Buffalo — Indian tear m the south — Mas- 
sacre at Fort Mimms — Hostile movements of the Creeks — Jackson's 
campaign — Battle of Talladega — Defeat of the Indians — Battle at the 
Horse-Shoe Bend — Pacif cation if the south. 

The victory of the Thames put an end to the hostilities 
of the savages, and the north"\vestern frontier rested in 
security. Most of the vohniteers returned home. Har- 
rison stationed General Cass at Detroit, with about one 
thousand men, and proceeded with the remainder to join 
the central army at Bnilalo. Tlie successes of the north- 
western army, and the victory on lake Erie, prepared the 
way for the invasion of Canada. A formidable force was 
collected on the frontier, under experienced officers, and 
the Indians declared against the British. General Arm- 
strong was at the head of the war department, and much 
was expected from his experience and zeal. Improvements 
were introduced, especially in the selection of officers. 
The secretary proceeded to the northern frontier, to put his 
plans into operation. The plan was, perhaps, judicious, 
but the season was too far advanced to accomplish his 
intentions. 

General Wilkinson was called from the southern army, 
to command on the Ontario frontier. The force directly 
under his command amounted to eight thousand men, and 
he expected to be joined, in October, by the force under 
Harrison. General Hampton commanded about four 
thousand men at Plattsburg. The plan of the campaign 
54* 



642 WAR OF 1812. 

was, to descend the St. Lawrence, pass the British posts 
above, form a junction with General Hampton, and invade 
Montreal. The army, which had been distributed in dif- 
ferent corps, and stationed at various points, was to be 
concentrated at some place most convenient for its embar- 
kation. For this purpose, Grenadier's Island, which lies 
between Sackett's Harbor and Kingston, was selected, on 
account of its contiguity to the St. Lawrence, as the most 
proper place of rendezvous. On the 2d of October, 1813, 
Wilkinson left Fort George, with the principal body of the 
troops, and soon reached the island, where he occupied 
himself incessantly in making the necessary preparations 
for the prosecution of his enterprise. By the 23d, the 
troops thus collected exceeded seven thousand men. 

General Brown, now a brigadier in the service of the 
United States, was ordered to take the command of the 
advance of the army at this place. On the 1st of Novem- 
ber, a British squadron made its appearance near French 
Creek, with a large body of infantry. A battery of three 
eighteen pounders, skilfully managed by Captains M'Pher- 
son and Fanning, soon forced them to retire. The attack 
was renewed the next morning, but with no better success; 
and as the other corps of the army now daily arrived, the 
enemy thought proper to move off. On the 6th, the army 
was put in motion, and in the evening landed a few miles 
above the British Fort Prescott. After reconnoitring the 
passage at this place, and finding that the fort commanded 
the river, Wilkinson directed the fixed ammunition to be 
transported, by land, to a safe point below, and determined 
to take advantage of the night to pass with the flotilla, 
while the troops were marched to the same point, leaving 
on board the boats merely a sufficient number to navigate 
them. Availing himself of a heavy fog which came on in 
the evening, the commander endeavored to pass the fort 
unobserved; but, the weather clearing up and the moon 
shining, he was discovered by the enemy, who opened a 
heavy fire. General Brown, who was in the rear with the 
flotilla, thought it prudent to land for the present, until the 
night should grow darker. He then proceeded down the 



Wilkinson's campaign. — isis. 643 

river, but not without being discovered, and again exposed 
to a severe cannonade; notwithstanding which, not one 
of three hundred boats suffered the sUghtest injury. Be- 
fore ten o'clock the next day, they had all safely arrived at 
the place of destination. A messenger was now despatched 
to General Hampton, informing him of the movement of 
the army, and requiring his cooperation. The army was 
delayed for half a day in extricating two schooners, loaded 
with provisions, which had been driven into a part of the 
river near Ogdensburgh, by the enemy's fire. A body of 
twelve hundred men, under Colonel Macomb, being de- 
spatched to remove the obstructions to the descent of the 
army, he was followed by the main body. On passing the 
first rapids of the St. Lawrence, the barge of the com- 
mander-in-chief was assailed by two pieces of artillery, but 
without any other injury than cutting the rigging. The 
attention of the enemy was soon diverted by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Eustis, who returned their fire from some light 
barges, while Major Forsythe, at the same time, landed 
some of his riflemen, attacked them unexpectedly, and 
carried off three pieces of their artillery. 

On the 9th of November, a skirmish occurred between 
the American riflemen and a party of militia and Indians. 
In the course of the day, the cavalry and four pieces of 
artillery, under Captain M'Pherson, were ordered to clear 
the coast as far as the head of the Longue Saut ; and in 
the evening the army arrived at the place called the Yellow 
House, which stands near the Saut. As the passage of 
this place was attended with considerable difficulty, on 
account of the rapidity of the current and of its length, it 
was deemed prudent to wait until the next day; when 
Brown recommenced his march at the head of his troops. 
It was not long before he found himself engaged with a 
strong party at a block-house near the Saut, which, after 
a contest of a few minutes, was repulsed by the riflemen 
under Forsythe, who was severely wounded. About the 
same time, some of the enemy's galleys approached the 
flotilla, which had landed, and commenced a fire upon it, 
by which a number of boats were injured. Tavo eighteen- 



644 WAR OF 1812. 

pounders, however, being hastily run on shore, a fire from 
them soon compelled the assailants to retire. The day- 
being now too far spent to attempt the Saut, it was resolved 
to postpone it until the day following. On the llth, the 
enemy's galleys approached, for the purpose of attacking 
the rear of the American flotilla. General Boyd now 
advanced, with his detachment formed in three columns. 
Colonel Ripley passed the wood which skirts the open 
ground called Chrystler's Field, and drove in several of 
the enemy's parties. On entering the field, he met the 
advance of the British. Ripley immediately ordered a 
charge, which was executed with snrprising firmness, so 
that these two regiments, nearly double his numbers, 
were compelled to retire ; and, on making a stand, were, a 
second time, driven before the bayonet, and compelled to 
pass over the ravines and fences, by which the field was 
intersected, until they fell on their main body. 

General Covington had, before this, advanced upon the 
right of the enemy, where his artillery was posted ; and, 
at the moment Ripley had assailed the left flank, the right 
was forced by a determined onset, and success appeared 
scarcely doubtful. Unfortunately, however, Covington, 
whose activity had rendered him conspicuous, became a 
mark for the sharp-shooters of the enemy, stationed in 
Chrystler's house, and he was shot from his horse. The 
fall of this gallant officer arrested the progress of the brig- 
ade, and the artillery of the enemy threw it into confusion, 
and caused it to fall back in disorder. At this critical 
moment, Ripley, who had been engaged with the enemy's 
left flank, threw his regiment between the artillery and the 
advancing column, and frustrated their design. The Brit- 
ish fell back with precipitation. The regiments which 
had broken had not retired from the field, but still con- 
tinued to keep up an irregular fight with various success. 
The action soon after ceased, having been kept up for two 
hours, by little better than raw troops against an equal 
number of veterans. The British force consisted of detach- 
ments from the forty-ninth, eighty-fourth, hundred and 
fourth, the Voltigeurs, and the Glengary regiments. The 



Wilkinson's campaign. — isis. 645 

enemy soon after retired to their camp, and the Americans 
to their boats. In this battle, the loss of the Americans, in 
killed and wounded, amounted to three hundred and thir- 
ty-nine, of whom one hundred and two were killed. The 
British loss could not have been less than that of the 
Americans. This appears to have been a drawn battle ; 
the British and Americans both leaving the ground. 

On the 11th of November, the army joined the advance 
near Barnhart. The commander-in-chief received infor- 
mation from General Hampton, which put an end to the 
design against Montreal. On the 6th, a few days before 
the battle of Chrystler's Field, the commander-in-chief had 
given orders to Hampton to meet him at St. Regis ; but 
soon after this order, a letter was received from Hampton, 
in which, after stating that, from the state of Wilkinson's 
supply of provisions, and the situation of the roads to St. 
Regis, which rendered it impossible to transport a greater 
quantity than could be carried by a man on his back, he 
had determined to open a communication from Plattsburgh 
to Conewago, or by any other point on the St. Lawrence 
which the commander-in-chief might indicate. Hampton, 
some time before this, with a view to a further move- 
ment of troops, had descended the Chateaugay river, about 
the same time that the army was concentrated on lake 
Ontario. Sir George Prevost, perceiving this movement 
towards Montreal, had collected all his force at this point 
to oppose the march of Hampton. On the 21st of October, 
the Americans crossed the line, but soon found the road 
obstructed by fallen timber, and the ambuscade of the 
enemy's militia and Indians. A wood of considerable ex- 
tent was to be passed before they could* reach the open 
country ; and while the engineers were engaged in cutting 
their way through, Colonel Purdy was detached, with the 
light troops and one regiment of the line, to turn their 
flank, and then seize on the open country below. In this 
he succeeded, and the army by the next day reached the 
position of the advance. But it was discovered that about 
seven miles further there was a wood which had been 
felled, and formed into an abattis, and that a succession 



646 WAR OF 18T2. 

of breastworks, some of them well supplied with artilleiy, 
had been formed by the main body of the enemy. Pnrdy, 
on the 25th, was ordered to march down the river on the 
opposite side, and, on passing the enemy, to cross over, 
and attack him in the rear, whilst the brigade under Gen- 
eral Izard would attack him in front. Purdy had not 
marched far when his orders were countermanded ; but, 
on his return, he was attacked by the enemy's infantry 
and Indians, and at first thrown into confusion, but the 
assailants were soon after repulsed. They came out at tlie 
same moment in front, and attacked Izard, but were com- 
pelled to retire behind their defences. Hampton, finding 
that the enemy was gaining strength, determined to retreat. 
A council of officers was called by the commander-in-chief, 
and the army retired to winter quarters at French Mills. 
In this manner the northern campaign, which had excited 
great expectations throughout the country, completely 
failed, in consequence of the gross incapacity of the com- 
manders, Wilkinson and Hampton. 

While these things were taking place on the land, the 
navy on the lake was not idle. Chaimcey, it has been 
seen, after his first attempt to bring the enemy to action, 
returned to Sackett's Harbor, for the purpose of obtaining 
a fresh supply of proAdsions. After being reinforced by a 
new schooner, he again sailed on a cruise; and, on the 
17th of September, discovered the British squadron near 
the Niagara. The British, on perceiving the Americans, 
made sail to the northward, and were pursued during four 
days and nights ; but, owing to the dull sailing of a greater 
part of the American squadron, they kept out of their reach. 
On the fourth day, off Genesee river, Chauncey, liaving 
a breeze, while the British lay becalmed, endeavored to 
close with them. This he was not able to accomplish, the 
enemy taking the breeze also, when the American squad- 
ron had approached within half a mile. After a running 
fight of more than three hours, the British escaped, but 
the next morning ran into Amherst Bay, whither the 
American commodore, for want of a pilot, did not think it 
prudent to follow, but contented himself with forming a 



OPERATIONS ON LAKE ONTARIO. 1813. 647 

blockade. In the running fight the British sustained con- 
siderable injury; that of tlie Americans was very trifling. 
The blockade was continued until the 17th of September, 
when, in consequence of a heavy gale which blew from 
the westward, Chauncey was compelled to leave his station, 
and the British escaped into Kingston. 

After remaining but a short time in )Sackett's Harbor, 
Chauncey received information that the enemy was in the 
harbor of York. He, therefore, made sail to that place ; 
and, on the 27th, early in the morning, discovered the enemy 
in motion in the bay, and immediately stood for him. 
This being perceived by the British commodore, he stood 
out, and endeavored to escape to the southward, but find- 
ing that the American was close upon him, tacked his 
S(piadron in succession, and commenced a well-directed 
fire at the Pike, in order to cover his rear, A smart action 
followed, in which the British had the worst of it, and 
made sail for the shore. The American squadron pursued 
them, but the chase was at length reluctantly given up, as it 
came on to blow almost a gale, and there was no hope of 
closing with the enemy before he could reach the British 
batteries, and without great risk of running ashore. Chaun- 
cey was justly entitled to claim a victory in this afl^air. 
Although the enemy were not captured, they were certainly 
beaten. Two of their vessels were at one moment com- 
.pletely in the power of the Americans; but, from his eager- 
ness to close with the whole fleet, they efljected their escape. 
In addition to the general policy of Sir James Yeo, the Brit- 
ish commodore, the late affair on lake Erie had rendered 
him particularly careful to avoid an engagement. The 
loss on board Chauncey's ship, the General Pike, was con- 
siderable, owing to her having been so long exposed to the 
fire of the enemy's fleet; the most serious, however, was 
occasioned by the bursting of one of her guns, by which 
twenty-two men were killed and wounded; the total 
amounted to twenty-seven. 

About the beginning of October, the commodore again 
chased the enemy's fleet for several days, and forced it to 
take refuge in Burlington Bay. The next morning, on send- 



648 



WAR OF 1812. 



ing the Lady of the Lake to reconnoitre, it was discovered 
that Sir James had taken advantage of the darkness of 
night, and escaped to Kingston. Much pleasantry was 
indulged, at this time, at the shyness of the British knight, 
and his ungallant escape from the Lady of the Lake. 
The chase was now renewed, and, favored by the wind, 
Chauncey came in sight of seven schooners, and captured 
five of them, in spite of their efforts to escape by sepa- 
rating. Chauncey remained master of the lake during the 
remainder of the season. 




Vifw of Buffalo. 

General Hanison arrived at l]u(raio soon after the depart- 
ure of the commander-in-chief, but could not follow for 
want of transports. He embarked after the main body had 
gone into winter quarters. Fort George was left under the 
command of General M'Clure, who commanded the militia, 
whose term of service had nearly expired. This force was 
soon reduced to a handful of men, and the place was no 
longer tenable. The enemy was in march with a large 
force. The fort was blown up, and the few troops crossed 
the river just in time to escape the British. But this 
retreat was preceded by an act which every American 
ought to condemn. Newark, a handsome little village, 



OPERATIONS ON THE NIAGARA. 1813. 649 

near the fort, would greatly favor a besieging army ; and 
orders were given by the secretary, that, if necessary for 
the defence of the ort, the village should be destroyed, to 
prevent the enemy from taking shelter in it. By an 
astonishing misconception of these orders, the general gave 
notice to the inhabitants to retire, and left the village in 
flames. The act was promptly disavowed by the govern- 
ment. The order, so misconceived, was soon enclosed to 
Sir George Prevost, expressing regret, and declaring the 
act unauthorized. Prevost, however, did not wait for the 
disavowal of the American government; he had already 
inflicted a retaliation sufficient to satisfy the vengeance 
of the fiercest enemy. At daylight on the 19th of De- 
cember, Fort Niagara was surprised by Colonel Murray, 
with about four hundred men, and the garrison, nearly 
three hundred in number, and principally invalids, was 
put to the sword; not more than twenty being able to 
escape. The commanding officer. Captain Leonard, ap- 
pears to have been shamefully negligent; he was absent at 
the time, and had used no precautions against an assault. 
Having possessed themselves of this place, they soon after 
increased their force, and immediately proceeded to lay 
waste the Niagara frontier with fire and sword. The 
militia, hastily collected, could oppose no resistance to a 
large body of British regulars and seven hundred Indians. 
A spirited but unavailing attempt was made by Major 
Bennett to defend Lewistown. This village, together with 
that of Manchester, Young's Town, and the Indian village 
of the Tuscaroras,' were speedily reduced to ashes, and 
many of the inhabitants butchered. 

Major Mellory advanced from Slosser, to oppose the 
invaders, but was compelled by superior numbers to re- 
treat. On the 30th, a detachment landed at Black Rock, 
and proceeded to Buff"alo. General Hall had organized a 
body of militia, but, on the approach of the enemy, they 
could not be induced to hold their ground. The village 
was soon after reduced to ashes, and the whole frontier, 
for many miles, exhibited a scene of ruin and devastation. 
Here was indeed ample vengeance for the burning of New- 
55 



650 



WAR OF 1812. 



ark. Even the British general was satisfied, as appears 
by his proclamation of the 12th of Jannary : " The opportu- 
nity of punishment lias occurred, and a full measure of 
retribution has taken place ! " and he declared his intention 
of "pursuing no farther a system of warfare so revolting 
to liis own feelings, and so little congenial to the British 
character." 




Bumittg of Buffalo. 

Notwithstanding the opposition on the floor of congress, 
the war was evidently becoming popular. The conduct of 
the enemy in the prosecution of hostilities was such as to 
awaken the feelings of every American. The victories 
which we had obtained at sea. came home to the feelings 
of the whole nation. Attairs in the south liad assumed a 
serious aspect, and no sooner had the northern armies 
retired into winter quarters, than the public attention was 
kept alive by the interesting events which transpired in the 
country of the Creeks during the winter. That ill-fated 
people had at length declared war. In consequence of the 
threatening appearances to the south, and the hostilities 
which already prevailed with the Indians inhabiting the 
Spanish territory. Governor Mitchell, of Georgia, was 
required, by the secretary at war, to detach a brigade 
to the Oakmulgee river, for the purpose of covering the 



WAR WITH. THE CREEK INDIANS. 1813. 651 

frontier settlements of the state. Governor Holmes, of the 
Mississippi territory, was, at the same time, ordered to join 
a body of militia to the volunteers under General Claiborne, 
then stationed on the Mobile. In the course of the summer 
of 1813, the settlers in the vicinity of that river became so 
much alarmed, from the hostile deportment of the Creeks, 
that the greater part abandoned their plantations, and 
sought refuge in the difierent forts ; while the peace party 
amongst the Creeks had, in some places, shut themselves 
up in forts, and were besieged by their countrymen. 

The commencement of hostilities was witnessed by one 
of the most shocking massacres that can be found in the 
history of our Indian wars. The settlers, from an imper- 
fect idea of their danger, had adopted an erroneous mode 
of defence, by throwing themselves into small forts or sta- 
tions, at great distances from each other, on the various 
branches of the Mobile. Early in August, it was ascer- 
tained that the Indians intended to make an attack upon 
all these stations, and destroy them in detail. The first 
place which they would attempt would probably be Fort 
Mimms, in which the greatest number of families had been 
collected. Towards the latter part of August, information 
was brought that the Indians were about to make an 
attack on this fort, but unfortunately too little attention 
was paid to the warning. During the momentary contin- 
uance of the alarm, some preparations were made for de- 
fence, but it seems tliat it was almost impossible to rouse 
them from their unfortunate disbelief of the proximity of 
their danger. The fort was commanded by Major Beasley, 
of the Mississippi territory, with about a hundred volun- 
teers under his command. By some fatality, notwithstand- 
ing the warnings he had received, he was not sufficiently 
on his guard, and suffered himself to be surprised on the 
30th, at noon-day. The sentinel had scarcely time to 
notify tlie approach of the Indians, when they rushed, with 
a dreadful yell, towards the gate, which was wide open. 
The garrison was instantly under arms, and the major flew 
towards the gate, with some of his men, in order to close 
it, and, if possible, expel the enemy ; but he soon after fell, 



652 WAK OF I8I2. • 

mortally wounded. The gate was at length closed, after 
great slaughter on both sides; but a number of the Indians 
had taken possession of a block-house, from which they 
were expelled, after a bloody contest, by Captain Jack. i 
The assault was still continued for an hour on the outside 
of the pickets. The port-holes were several times carried 
by the assailants, and retaken by those within the fort. 

The Indians now for a moment withdrew, apparently 
disheartened by their loss, but, on being harangued by 
their chief, Weatherford. they returned with augmented 
fury to the assault. Having procured axes, they proceeded 
to cut down the gate, and, at the same time, made a 
breach in the pickets, and, possessing themselves of the 
area of the fort, compelled the besieged to take refuge in 
the houses. Here they made a gallant resistance ; but the 
Indians at length setting fire to the roofs, the situation of 
these imfortunate people became altogether hopeless. The 
agonizing shrieks of the unfortunate women and children 
at their unhappy fate, would have awakened pity in the 
breasts of tigers. It is only by those who have some faint 
idea of the nature of Indian warfare, that the horror of 
their situation can be conceived. The terror of the scene 
had already been sufficient to have bereft them of their 
senses; but what heart does not bleed at the recital of its 
realities] Not a soul was spared by these monsters. From 
the most aged person to the youngest infant, they became 
the victims of indiscriminate butchery; and some, to avoid 
a worse fate, even rushed into the flames. A few only 
escaped by leaping over the pickets while the Indians 
were engaged in the work of massacre. About two hun- 
dred and sixty persons, of all ages and sexes, thus perished, 
including some friendly Indians and about one hundred 
negroes. 

On the receipt of this disastrous intelligence, the Tennes- 
see militia, under the orders of General Jackson and Gen- 
eral Cocke, immediately marched to the country of the 
Creeks. On the 2d of November, General Coffee was de- 
tached, with nine hundred men. against the Tallushatches 
townSj and reached the place about daylight the next mom- 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. 1813. 653 

ing. The Indians, apprized of his approach, were prepared 
to receive him. Within a short distance of the village, the 
enemy charged upon him, with a boldness seldom displayed 
by Indians. They were repulsed, and after a most obsti- 
nate resistance, in which they would receive no quarters, 
they were slain almost to a man, and their women and 
children taken prisoners. There were nearly two hundred 
of the warriors killed in this affair. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was five killed and forty wounded. Late in the morn- 
ing of the 7th, a friendly Indian brought intelligence to 
General Jackson, that, about thirty miles below his camp, 
were a number of Creeks collected at a place called Talle- 
dega, where they were engaged in besieging a number of 
friendly Indians, who must inevitably perish unless speed- 
ily relieved. This officer, whose resolutions were as rap- 
idly executed as they were formed, marched at twelve 
o'clock the same night, at the head of twelve hundred men, 
and arrived within six miles of the place the next evening. 
At midnight he again advanced; by seven o'clock was 
within a mile of the enemy, and immediately made the 
most judicious arrangements for surrounding them. Hav- 
ing approached in this manner, almost unperceived, within 
eighty yards of the Indians, the battle commenced on their 
part with great fury ; but, being repulsed on all sides, they 
attempted to make their escape, but soon found themselves 
enclosed; two companies having at first given way, a space 
was left through which a considerable number of the ene- 
my escaped, and were pursued to the mountains Avith great 
slaughter. • In this action, the American loss was fifteen 
killed and eighty wounded. That of the Creeks was little 
short of three hundred ; their whole force exceeded a thou- 
sand. 

General Cocke, who commanded the other division of the 
Tennessee militia, on the 11th detached General White 
from Fort Armstrong, where he was encamped, against the 
hostile towns on the Tallapoosa river. After marching 
the whole night of the 17th, he surprised a town at day- 
light, containing upwards of three hundred warriors, sixty 
of whom were killed, and the rest taken prisoners. Hav- 
55*^ 



654 WAE OF 1812. ^ 

ing burnt several of their villages, which had been deserted, 
he returned, on the 23d, without losing a single man. The 
Georgia militia, under General Floyd, advanced into the 
Creek country about the last of the month. Receiving 
information that a great number of Indians were collected 
at the Autossee towns, on the Tallapoosa river, — a place 
which they called their beloved ground, and where, accord- 
ing to their prophets, no white man could molest them. — 
General Floyd, placing himself at the head of nine hun- 
dred militia and four hundred friendly Creeks, marched 
from his encampment on the Chatahouchee. On the even- 
ing of the 28th, he encamped within ten miles of the place, 
and, resuming his march at one o'clock, reached the towns 
about six, and commenced an attack upon both at the same 
moment. His troops were met by the Indians with un- 
common bravery ; and it was not until after an obstinate 
resistance, that they were forced, by his musketry and bay- 
onets, to fly to the thickets and copses in the rear of the 
towns. In the course of three hours the enemy was com- 
pletely defeated and the villages in flames. Eleven Ameri- 
cans were killed and fifty wounded, — among the latter the 
general himself. Of the enemy, it is supposed that, beside 
the Autossee and Tallasse kings, upwards of two hundred 
were killed. This just retribution, it was hoped, would 
bring these wretched creatures to a proper sense of their 
situation ; but, unfortunately, it had not this eff'ect ; — they 
still persisted in their hostilities. In December. General 
Claiborne marched a detachment against the towns of Ec- 
canachaca, on the Alabama river. On the 22d, he came 
suddenly upon them, killed thirty of their warriors, and, 
after destroying their villages, returned with a trifling 
loss. 

After the battle of Talledega, Jackson was left with but 
a handful of men, in consequence of the term of service of 
the militia having expired. On the 14th of January, 1814, 
he was fortunately reinforced by eight hundred volunteers 
from Tennessee, and, soon after, several hundred friendly 
Indians. He was also joined by General Coffee, with a 
number of officers, his militia having returned home. On 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. — 1813. 656 

the 17th, with a view of mailing a diversion in favor of 
General Floyd, and at the same time of relieving Fort Arm- 
strong, which was said to be threatened, he penetrated 
the Indian country. On the evening of the 2 1st, believ- 
ing himself, from appearances, in the vicinity of a large 
body of Indians, he encamped with great precaution, and 
placed himself in the best attitude for defence. Some time 
in the night, one of his spies brought information that he 
had seen the enemy a few miles oil', and, from their being 
busily engaged in sending away their women and children, 
it was evident they had discovered the Americans, and 
would either escape or make an attack before morning. 
While the troops were in this state of readiness, they were 
vigorously attacked on their left flank about daylight. The 
enemy was resisted Avith firmness, and, after a severe con- 
test, they fled in every direction. This was, however, soon 
discovered to be a feint. Cotfee, having been despatched, 
Avith four hundred men, to destroy the enemy's camp, with 
directions not to attack it if strongly fortified, returned 
with information that it would not be prudent to attempt it 
without artillery. Half an hour had scarcely elapsed, when 
the enemy commenced a fierce attack on Jackson's left 
flank. It seems they had intended, by the first onset, to 
draw the Americans into a pursuit, and by that means create 
confusion; but this was completely prevented by Jackson's 
causing his left flank to keep its position. Coffee, with about 
fifty of his oflficers, acting as volunteers, assailed the Indi- 
ans on the left, while about two hundred friendly Indians 
came upon them on the right. The whole line giving them 
one fire, resolutely charged, and the enemy, being disap- 
pointed in their plan, fled with precipitation. On the left 
flank of the Indians the contest Avas kept up some time 
longer; General Coffee was severely wounded, and his aid 
killed. On being reinforced by a party of the friendly In- 
dians, he compelled the enemy to fly, leaving fifty of their 
warriors on the ground. Jackson, being apprehensive of 
another attack, fortified his camp for the night. The next 
day, fearing a want of provisions, he found it necessary to 



656 WAR OF 1812. 

retreat, and, before night, reached Enotachopco, having 
passed a dangerous defile without interruption. 

The Americans now continued their march without far- 
ther molestation. In these different engagements about 
twenty Americans were killed, and seventy-five wounded ; 
in the last, about one hundred and eighty of the Creeks 
were slain. Meanwhile, General Floyd was advancing 
towards the Indian territory, from the Chatahouchee river. 
On the 27th of January his camp was attacked by a large 
body of Indians about an hour before day. They stole 
upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and then rushed with 
great impetuosity towards the line. The action soon 
became general; the front of both flanks was closely 
pressed, but the firmness of the officers and men repelled 
their assaults at every point. As soon as it became suf- 
ficiently light, Floyd strengthened his right wing, formed 
his cavalry in the rear, and then directed a charge ; the 
enemy were driven before the bayonet, and, being pursued 
by the cavalry, many of them were killed. The loss of the 
Americans Avas seventeen killed, and one hundred and 
thirty-two wounded. That of the Indians could not be 
ascertained ; thirty-seven of their warriors were left dead 
on the field. By this time it might be supposed that the 
Creeks had been satisfied with the experiment of war; but 
they appear to have been infatuated in a most extraordi- 
nary degree. From the influence of their prophets over 
their superstitious minds, they Avere led on from one 
ruinous effort to another, in hopes that the time would at 
last arrive when their enemies would be delivered into 
their hands. 

Jackson, having received considerable reinforcements 
from Tennessee, and being joined by a number of friendly 
Indians, set out on an expedition to the Tallapoosa river. 
He proceeded from the Coosa on the 24th of March, 
reached the southern extremity of the New Youca on the 
27th, at a place called the Horse-shoe Bend of the Coosa. 
Nature furnishes few situations so eligible for defence ; and 
here the Creeks, by the direction of their prophets, had 
made their last stand. Across the neck of land they had 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. — 1814. 657 

erected a breastwork of the greatest compactness and 
strength, from five to eight feet high, and provided with a 
double row of port-holes artfully arranged. In this place 
they considered themselves perfectly secure. The assail- 
ants could not approach without being exposed to a double 
and cross fire from the Indians who lay behind. The area, 
thus enclosed by the breastworks, was little short of one 
hundred acres. The warriors from Oakfuskee, Oakshaya, 
Hilebees, the Fish Ponds, and Eupata towns, had col- 
lected their forces at this place, in number exceeding a 
thousand. 

Early in the morning of the 27th, Jackson, having 
encamped the preceding night within six miles of the bend, 
detached Coffee, with the mounted men and nearly the 
whole of the Indian force, to pass the river at a ford about 
three miles below their encampment, and to surround the 
bend in such a manner that none of them should escape by 
attempting to cross the river. With the remainder of his 
force, Jackson advanced to the point of the breastwork, 
and planted his artillery on a small eminence, within 
eighty yards of the nearest point of the work, and within 
two hundred and fifty of the farthest. A brisk cannonade 
was opened upon the centre, and a severe fire was kept up 
with musketry and rifles when the Indians ventured to 

show themselves behind their defences. In the mean time, 

Coffee, having crossed below, had advanced towards the j^B 
village. When Avithin half a mile of that, which stood at ^^ 
the extremity of the peninsula, the Indians gave their yell. 
Coffee, expecting an immediate attack, drew up his men 
in order of battle, and in this manner continued to move 
forward. The friendly Indians had previously taken 
possession of the bank, for the purpose of preventing the 
retreat of the enemy ; but they no sooner heard the artil- 
lery of Jackson, and the approach of Coffee, than they 
rushed forward to the banks ; while the militia, appre- 
hending an attack from the Oakfuskee villages, were 
obliged to remain in order of battle. The friendly Indians, 
unable to remain silent spectators, began to fire across the 
stream, about one hundred yards wide, while some plunged 



653 WAR OF 1512, 

into the river, and, swimming across, brought back a num- 
ber of canoes. In these the greater part embarked, landed 
ou the peninsula, then advanced into the village, drove the 
enemy from tlieir huts up to the tortidcations, and contin- 
ued to aimoy them during the whole action. This move- 
ment of the Indians rendered it necessary that a part of 
Coffee's line should take their place. 

Jackson, finding that his arrangements were complete, at 
length yielded to the earnest solicitations of his men to be 
led to the charge. The regular troops were in a moment 
in possession of the nearest part of the breastworks; the 
militia accompanied them with equal firmness and intre- 
pidity. Havmg maintained, for a few mmutes, a very 
obstinate contest, muzzle to muzzle, through the port-holes, 
they succeeded in gaining the opposite side of the works. 
The event could no longer be doubtful. The enemy, 
although m;uiy of them fought with that kind of bravery 
which desperation inspires, were cut to pieces. The whole 
margm of the rivei;, which surrounded the peninsula was 
strewed with the slain. Five hundred and fiity-seven. 
were foimd, besides those thrown into the river by their 
friends, or drowned in attempting to escape. Xot more 
than fifty could have escaped. Among their slain was 
their great prophet ^lanahoe, and two others of less note. 
About three hundred women and children were taken 
prisoners, Jackson's loss was twenty-six white men 
killed, and one hundred and seven wounded; eighteen 
Cherokees killed, and thirty-six wounded ; and five friendly 
Creeks killed, and eleven wounded. 

This most decisive victory put an end to the Creek war. 
The spirit and power of these misguided men were com- 
pletely broken. Jackson soon after scoured the coimtry on 
the Coosa and Tallapoosa. A party of the enemy, on the 
latter river, on his approach, fied to Pensacola. The 
greater jxirt of the Creeks now came forward, and threw 
themselves on ilie mercy of the victors. A detachment of 
militia from North and South Carolina scoured the coimtry 
on the Alabama, and received the submission of a great 
number oi Creek warriors and their prophets. In the 



END OF THE CREEK WAK. — 1S14. 



659 



course of the summer, a treaty of peace was dictated to 
them, by Jacksou. ou severe but just terms. They a^jreed 
to yield a jxutiou of their couutry as au iudemuity for the 
exixMises of tlie war. 






CHAPTER XLY. 

War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier — Affair of La Cole 
Mill — Operations on lake Champlain — Naval affairs on lake Ontario 
— Capture of a British force at Sandi/ Creek — Operations on the Ni- 
agara frontier — Gallant exploit of Captain Holmes — War on (he At- 
lantic coast — Attack ofSai/hrook — Gun-boat battle in Long Island Sound 
— Capture of Eastport — Bombardment of Stonington — Invasion of 
Maine — Cruise of the Constitution — Capture of the Epenier, Reindeer 
and Avon — Loss of the President — Capture of the Cyane and Levant 
— Cruise of the Hornet — Capture of the Penguin — Gallant exploit of 
the privateer Armstrong. 

The northern army remained in their winter quarters, on 
the St. Lawrence, till the end of February, 1S14. when, in 
pursuance of orders from the secretary at war, they removed 
to Plattsburg. From this place a body of two thousand 
men were marched to Sackett's Harbor, under General 
Brown, with a proportion of field-pieces and battering can- 
non. Towards the end of March, Wilkinson determined 
to erect a battery at a place called Rouse's Pomt, on lake 
Champlain, where his engineer had discovered a position 
from which the enemy's lleet. then laid up at St. John's, 
might be kept in check. The ice breaking up on the lake 
sooner than usual, defeated his plan. A body of the ene- 
my, upwards of two thousand strong, on discovering his 
design, had been collected at La Cole Mill, three miles 
from Rouse's Pomt, for the purpose of opposing him. With 
a view of dislodging this party, and, at the same time, of 
forming a diversion in favor of Brown, who had marched 
against Niasara. Wilkinson, at the head of about four thou- 
sand men, crossed the Canada lines on the 30th of 3Iarch. 

After dispersing several of the enemy's skirmishing par- 
ties, he reached La Cole Mill, a large fortified stone house, 
occupied by the British. An eighteen-poimder was ordered 



BATTLE OF LA COLE MILL. 1814. 661 

up, but, owing to the nature of the ground over which it 
had to pass, the transportation was found impracticable; a 
twelve-pounder and a five-inch howitzer were therefore 
substituted. These arrangements being made, the battery 
opened upon the house, and the fire was promptly returned. 
The dift'erent corps were greatly exposed to the fire from 
the house. It was found impossible to effect a breach, al- 
though the guns were managed with great skill. Captain 
M'Pherson was wounded at the commencement of the 
attack, but conthiued, notwithstanding, at his post, until a 
second shot had broken his thigh. His next officer, Lara- 
bee, was shot through the lungs. Lieutenant Sheldon kept 
up the fire until the end of the affair, and behaved in a 
manner which drew forth the praise of his general. The 
British commander, perceiving that the Americans persisted 
in bombarding the house, made a desperate sortie, and 
several times charged upon the cannon, in which he was 
repulsed by the covering troops, and compelled to retire to 
his fortress with loss. It being now found impracticable to 
make an impression on this strong building, whose walls 
were of unusual thickness, the commander-in-chief, calling 
in his different parties, fell back in good order. The loss 
of the Americans in this affair was upwards of one hun- 
dred and forty in killed and wounded; that of the British 
is not ascertained. Many were the difficulties under which 
the army labored, besides the deplorable incapacity of their 
general. Lack of system, a severe climate, sickness, un- Jf 
foreseen expenses, abuses in every department, want of 
experience and education in the subalterns, and the dis- 
graceful conduct of many of the frontier inhabitants, in 
supplying the enemy with provisions, are among the num- 
ber of misfortunes under which the country labored ; be- 
sides which, the enemy was regularly informed of every- 
thing which transpired on the American side. 

Shortly after the afl'air of La Cole, the greater part of the 
British force was collected at St. John's and the Isle Aux 
Noix, for the purpose of securing the entrance of the squad- 
ron into lake Champlain, on the breaking up of the ice. 
This was effected early in May. Some time before this, 
56 



662 VTAB. OF 1812. 

on the suggestion of Wilkinson, Commodore M'Donough 
had fortified the mouth of Otter rirer. so as to secure a 
passage for his flotilla, which then lay at Vergennes, higher 
up the river, waiting for its armament. This precaution 
proved of great service. The commodore had labored with 
indefatigable industry, to provide a naval force on this lake, 
to cope with that of the enemy. The vessels had been built 
during the autumn and winter, but their armament did not 
arrive before spring. 

The first object of the enemy, when they found the navi- 
gation open, was to attempt the destruction of the Ameri- 
can fleet, before it could move upon its element, prepared 
to meet them. On the 12th of ^lay, not long after the 
erection of the battery on the cape, at the entrance of the 
river, a bomb vessel, and three large galleys, were stationed 
by the enemy across the creek, for the purpose of blockad- 
ing the squadron, and, at the same time, to intercept naval 
supplies, which, it was supposed, would be sent by water, 
for the purpose of completing its armament. Captain 
Thorntoii, of the light artillery, and Lieutenant Cassin, 
with a number of sailors, were ordered to the defence of 
the battery. Indications being, at the same time, discov- 
ered of an attempt by the enemy to assail the battery in 
the rear. General Davis, of the Vermont militia, called part 
of his brigade, in order to oppose the landing. At day- 
break, on the 14th, the enemy commenced an attack upon 
the works, but were so etfectually resisted, that they were 
compelled to withdraw from their position with the loss of 
two sallevs. which thev were obliged to abandon. Soon 
after, the whole squadron moved down the lake, but not 
without some skirmishing with General Wright, of the mi- 
litia, as they passed Burlington. Commodore M'Donough 
had attempted to bring some of the American vessels to the 
mouth of the river, but the British squadron had disap- 
peared before he could attain his object. 

While the naval preparations were making on lake 
Champlain, the winter and spring were taken up with the 
preparations for a contest of superiority on lake Ontario. 
The British converted it. however, into a contest in build- 



ATTACK ON OSWEGO. 1S14. 663 

iiig the greatest number and the largest ships. At Kings- 
ton a ship of extraordinary size was building ; for the ene- 
my no longer trusted, as they had done with other nations, 
to superior seamanship and valor. Commodore Chauncey 
was under the necessity of building additional vessels, for 
the purpose of maintaining, as nearly as possible, an equal- 
ity of force. On the 2oth of April, 1814, three of the ene- 
my's boats, provided with the means of blowing up the 
vessels, succeeded in getting close into Sackett's Harbor 
undiscovered, but before they could execute their purpose, 
they were detected, and fired upon by Lieutenant Dudley, 
the officer of the guard, on which they threw their pow- 
der into the lake, and pulled oft". Failing in all these 
attempts, from the vigilance of the Americans, they next 
formed the determination to intercept the naval stores on 
their way from Oswego, where they had been deposited. 
Thither Sir James Yeo proceeded with his whole fleet, and 
having on board a large body of troops, under General 
Drummond, proceeded, on the 5th of May, with the deter- 
mination of storming the town, and capturing the equip- 
ments destined for the new vessels. 

The British commenced a heavy bombardment, which 
was kept up for several days. The unexpected and gallant 
resistance of the garrison, consisting of three hundred men, 
under LieiUenant-Colonel Mitchell, was in vain against 
such superior force. The schooner Growler, then in Os- 
Avego Creek to receive the cannon, was sunk, to prevent her 
from being taken, and all the tents that could be procured 
were pitched on the village side, to give the appearance of 
a large force of militia. At one o'clock, fifteen barges, filled 
with troops, moved towards the shore, preceded by several 
gun-boats, while a heavy cannonade was commenced by 
the larger vessels. They were so warmly received by the 
battery on shore, that the boats were twice repulsed, and 
one of the largest fell into the hands of the Americans. The 
squadron now stood olf, but this Avas evidently for the pur- 
pose of renewing the attack, in such a manner as to render 
it effectual. They again approached on the 6th, having 
resolved to land under cover of their ships ; they accord- 



664 WAR OF 1S12. 

ingly kept up a heavy fire for three hours, while their land 
forces, two thousand in number, under General De Watte- 
ville, succeeded in gaining the shore, after being gallantly 
opposed by Lieutenant Pearce and his seamen. Colonel 
Mitchell now abandoned the fort, and, joining his corps to 
the marines and seamen, engaged the enemy's tiank, and 
did great execution. Finding further resistance useless, he 
fell back, formed his troops, and took up his march to the 
falls of Oswego, destroying the bridges m his rear. Hither, 
to the inexpressible disappointment of the British, the naval 
stores had been removed, and all their trouble, and the loss 
which they sustained, procured them nothing more than a 
few barrels of provisions and some whiskey. This was 
purchased with the loss of two himdred and thirty-five 
men, in killed and wounded. They were certainly enti- 
tled to the victory, but they never thought proper to claim 
it. The loss of the Americans was sixty-nine in killed, 
wounded and missing ; among the first, a promising offi- 
cer, Lieutenant Blaney. On the evening of the same day, 
a part of the force proceeded to Pultneyville, and demanded 
the public stores. The inhabitants were imable to repel 
the invaders, who indulged themselves in their usual dep- 
redations: Avhen General Swift, of the New York militia, 
opportunely arriving, with a part of his brigade, put them 
to flight. 

The British, soon after, hearing that the Superior, which 
had lately been lamiched, had received her equipments 
from the interior," broke up the blockade and returned to 
Kingston. Another new ship, the Mohawk, was at tliis 
time on the stocks, and as she would have to be supplied 
with her equipments from the same place, it was deter- 
mined, since the British had disappeared, to transport them 
by water, and avoid the expense and delay of land trans- 
portation. To deceive the enemy, who had numerous 
gun-boats hovering about the dillerent creeks, a report was 
circulated that it was intended to forward the stores to the 
Oneida lake. Nineteen barges were loaded at Oswego, 
and Major Appling was despatched by General Gaines, with 
a detachment to aid Captain Woolsev, in their defence. 



* AFFAIR OF SANDY CREEK. 1S14. 665 

On the 2Sth of May, Captain Woolsey, finding the coast 
clear, reached the village by snnset, and, taking advantage 
of the darkness of the night, put into the lake. The next 
day they reached Sandy Creek, and, ascending it a few 
miles, despatched a boat to look ont for the British on the 
lake; this boat was discovered by some gun vessels, and 
immediately chased. Major Appling and Captain Woolsey 
determined to draw them into an ambuscade. As had 
been anticipated, the enemy pushed their gun-boats and 
cutters up the creek, while a party landed and ascended 
along the bank. The Americans now rushed suddenly 
upon them, and, in a few moments, after one fire, by which 
a number of them were killed and wounded, the whole 
party was taken prisoners, consisting of four lieutenants 
of the navy, two lieutenants of the marines, and one Imn- 
dred and thirty men, together with all their boats and 
cutters. 

Captain Holmes, with a party of about one hundred and 
sixty rangers and mounted men, proceeded, on the '21st of 
February, against some of the enemy's posts. About the 
beginning of March, he received intelligence that a British 
force, which afterwards proved to be double his own, was 
descending the river Thames. Holmes, finding himself 
not in a situation to give battle, from the fatigues which 
his men had already encountered, and his ignorance of the 
strength of the enemy's party, fell back a few miles, and 
chose a strong position, where he was confident of being 
able to defend himself nntil he could obtain the necessary 
information of the Britisli. He despatched a small body 
of rangers for this purpose, but which soon returned, pur- 
sued by the enemy, but without being able to learn his 
strength. The British, perceiving the strength of Holmes' 
position, resorted to stratagem for the purpose of drawing 
him from it. They feigned an attack, and then retreated, 
taking care not to show more than sixty or seventy men. 
Holmes now pursued, but with caution ; and, after pro- 
ceeding about five miles, discovered their main body 
drawn np to receive him, on which he immediately re- 
turned to his former position. Having disposed of his 
56* 



666 WAR OF 1812. 

troops in the most judicious manner, he firmly \raited lor 
them ; being protected in front by a deep ravine, and the 
approaches on the other side somewhat dilficuh. The 
attack was commenced at the same moment on every 
point, with savage yells and the sound of bugles, the res- 
ulars charging up the heights from the ravine. The other 
sides were rapidly assailed by militia and Indians. They 
first approached within twenty paces of the American 
hues, against a very destructive fire : but the front section 
being cut to pieces, those who followed severely woimded. 
and many of their officers cut down, they retired to the 
woods, within thirty or forty paces, and the firing continued 
with great spirit on both sides. The American regulars, 
being imcovered. were ordered to kneel, that the brow of 
the heights might assist in screening them from the enemy. 
But the enemy's covering was insufficient, a single tree 
affijrding no shelter, eveu to one. from the extended line 
of the Americans, much less to the squads that stood to- 
gether. On the other sides, the attack was sustained with 
equal coolness, and with considerable loss to the foe. The 
Americans had. on three sides, thrown together some logs 
hastily, and no charge being made, they could aim their 
pieces at leisure, with that deadly certainty which belongs 
to the backwoodsman, llie British, after an hour of hard 
fish tine, ordered a retreat: and. as the night approached, 
Holmes thousrht it not advisable to piu-sue: besides, his 
men were much fatigued, and many of them had nearly 
worn out their shoes ou the hard frozen ground. ITiie 
American loss on this occasion did not amotrnt to more than 
six killed and wounded. According to the statement of 
the British, their loss was sixty-five killed and woimded, 
besides Indians. In consequence of his good conduct in 
this affair. Captain Holmes was promoted to the rank of 
major. 

The northern sea-coast, which had thus fax experienced 
httle molestation from the enemy, became the object of 
attack early in the spring. On the Tih of April, a body ht 
sailors and marines, to the number of two himdred. ascend- 
ed the Coimecticut river as far as Savbrook, where they 



Gr\-BOAT BATTLE. — 1S14. 067 

spiked the camion, and destroyed the shipping. They 
proceeded thence to Brock way *s Ferry. Avhere they did tlie 
same, and, afterwards, unapprehensive of attack, care- 
lessly remained twenty-fonr hours. In the mean time, a 
body of mihtia. toother with a number of marines and 
sailors, imder Captain Jones and Lieutenant Biddle. had 
coHected for the purpose of cutting otf their retreat ; but 
the British, takmg advantage of a very dark night, and 
using muliied oars, escaped to their lieet. after having de- 
stroyed two himdred thousand dollars' worth of shipping. 

About this time the coasting trade was much annoyed 
by a British privateer, the Liverpool Packet, which cruised 
in the somid. Commodore Lewis sailed with a detach- 
ment of thirteen gun-boats, and succeeded in chasing her 
off. On his arrival at Saybrook. he found upwards of fifty 
vessels bound to the eastward, but afraid to venture out. 
The comni'xiore consented to take them under convoy, but 
was not able to promise them protection against the squad- 
ron then blockading >sew London. They, however, being 
disposed to run the risk, lie sailed with them on the 2.5th, 
and. in the afternoon of the same day, was compelled to 
throw hmiself between his convoy and a British frigate, a 
sloop of war and a tender, and kept up a contest until the 
coasters had safely reached rsew London. Having at- 
tained his object, he determined to try what he could do 
with his gun-boats agauist the enemy's ships. Furnaces 
being hastily constructed, he began to throw hot balls at 
the enemy's sides, and repeatedly set their ships on fire, 
without receiving any injury himself The sloop soon 
withdrew, and the fire was principally directed against the 
frigate. One shot passed through her. very near her maga- 
zine : her lieutenant and a great number of her men were 
already killed : her captain was on the point of striking, 
when he observed that the gun-boats had ceased firing. 
The night soon after conimg on, the gun-boats desisted 
from the attack, determined to wait until morning. At 
daylight they perceived the squadron towing away. It was 
resolved to pursue them, btit several other frigates soon 
made their appearance, and put a stop to this design. 



668 WAR OF 1812. 

Formidable squadrons were kept up before the ports of 
New York, New London, and Boston ; and the whole, 
eastern coast Avas exposed to the enemy. The war was 
carried on here in a very different manner from that at the 
south. Hardy, the British admiral, "\^^uld not permit any 
wanton outrages upon private property, or upon defence- 
less individiials. In spite, however, of his general de- 
meanor, there were particular instances of the contrary on 
the part of the officers commanding smaller parties, and 
actuated by a thirst for plunder. At the towns of Ware- 
ham and Scituate, they burned all the vessels at their 
moorings; and at the former they set fire to an extensive 
cotton manufactory. At a place called Booihbay, they 
met with a spirited resistance, and were repeatedly repulsed 
in various desperate attacks. An invasion of a more 
serious nature was made in July. On the 11th of that 
month. Hardy, with a strong force, made a descent on 
Moose Island, and, after taking possession of Eastport, de- 
clared all the islands and towns on the eastern side of 
Passamaquoddy Bay to appertain to his Britannic majesty, 
and required the inhabitants to appear, within seven days, 
and take the oath of allegiance. About two thirds of the 
inhabitants submitted; but, in the month of August, the 
council of the province of New Brunswick declared that, 
notwithstanding the oath of allegiance, they should be 
considered as a conquered people, ^nd placed under mili- 
tary government. Eastport was soon after strongly forti- 
fied ; but it was found extremely difficult for the enemy to 
subsist his troops, and the desertions were so frequent as 
to render it almost impossible to keep up a garrison. 

Hardy soon after sailed, with a part of his squadron, for 
the purpose of attacking Stonington. The appearance of 
this force excited much alarm among the inhabitants, 
which was not diminished when they received a message 
from the commodore to remove the women and children, 
as he had received orders to reduce the place to ashes. 
The inhabitants, although Avith very trifling means of 
defence, determined to make an attempt to save their 
property. The handful of militia of tlic place repaired to a 



BOMBARDMENT OF STONINGTON. 1S14. 669 

small battery erected on the shore, and to a breastwork 
thrown up for musketry, and at the same time despatched, 
an express to obtain assistance from General Gushing, com- 
manding at New London. In the evening of the 8th of 
August, five barges and a large launch, filled with men, 
approached the shore, under cover of a heavy fire from the 
ships. The Americans, reserving their fire until the enemy 
were within short grape distance, opened their two eigh- 
teen-pounders, and soon compelled the invaders to retire 
out of the reach of their battery. They next proceeded to 
another part of the town, which they supposed defence- 
less; but a part of the militia being detached thither with 
a six-pounder, the barges were again repulsed. The enemy 
then retired to their ships, but determined to renew the 
attack in the morning ; and, in the mean time, kept up a 
bombardment until midnight. The next morning it was 
discovered that one of the enemy's vessels had approached 
within pistol shot of the battery, and the barges advanced 
in still greater numbers than the day before ; these were 
again gallantly repulsed, and the vessel driven from her 
anchorage. The squadron then renewed the bombardment 
of the town, but without effect ; and, on the 12th, the 
commodore thought proper to retire. The inhabitants, 
after this gallant defence, — which, considering the means 
with which it was effected, and the great disparity of force 
opposed to them, deserves much praise, — once more occu- 
pied their dwellings in security. 

Not long after this the British took possession of all that 
part of the district of Maine between Penobscot river and 
Passamaquoddy Bay, and declared it to be held as a colony. 
On the 1st of September, the governor of Nova Scotia and 
Admiral Griffith entered the Penobscot river, and took 
possession of Castine, which the garrison had previously 
evacuated. A proclamation was then issued, declaring 
that possession of that part of the province of Maine, east 
of the Penobscot, was formally taken in the name of his 
Britannic majesty. The country, which contained about 
thirty thousand inhabitants, was then gradually occupied, 
and possessed until the conclusion of the war. 



670 WAR OF 1S12. 

Another affair took place soon after, which furnished a 
still stronger proof of the now acknowledged superiority 
of America upon the ocean, an acknowledgment more 
strongly expressed than by words. In the month of April, 
Captain Stewart was on his return in the Constitution, 
at'ter a cruise, when he was chased by two British frigates 
and a brig, but escaped, by superior seamanship, into 
Marblehead. Some time before, after capturing the public 
schooner Pictou. he fell hi with the British frigate La Pique, 
Captain Maitlaud. who tied on the approach of the Consti- 
tution, and succeeded in making her escape. 

The year 1S14 was also distinguished by farther naval 
successes of the Americans. The sloop of war Peacock, 
Captain "Warrington, while on a cruise, on the '29th of April, 
discovered the British brig of war Epervier, Captain Wales, 
having several vessels under convoy. Captain Warrington 
engaged the Epervier. while the others were making their 
escape. At the tirst broadside, the foreyard of the Peacock 
was totally disabled by two round shot m the starboard 
quarter. By this she was deprived of the use of her fore 
and fore-topsail, and was obliged to keep aloof during the 
remainder of the action, which lasted forty-two minutes. 
In this time she received considerable damage in her 
rigging, but her hull was not at all injured. 

The Epervier struck, having five feet water in her hold, 
lier topmasts over her side, her main boom shot away, her 
foremast cut nearly in two. her rigging and stays shot 
away, her hull pierced by forty-five shot, twenty of which 
were within a foot of her water line. Eleven of her crew 
were killed, and her first lieutenant and fourteen men 
wounded. Tlie sum of one hundred and eighteen thousand 
dollars in specie was foiuid in her. and transferred to the 
Peacock. The day following, (""aptaiu Warrington dis- 
covered two frigates in chase. He took all the prisoners 
on board the Peacock, and leaving a sutficient number on 
board the Epervier for the purpose of navigating her, he 
directed her to seek the nearest port. By skilful seaman- 
ship the captain succeeded in escaping from the enemy's 
ships, and reached Savaimah, where he found his prize. 



CAPTURE OF THE REINDEER AND AVON. 1814. 671 

Lieutenant Nicholson, by his good management, had 
brought her in, after encountering very great ditliculties. 

The new sloop of Avar Wasp, Captain Blakely, sailed 
from Portsmouth, and, after capturing seven merchant- 
men, fell in with the British brig of war Reindeer, Captain 
Manners, in the British Channel. Captain Blakely com- 
menced the action with his after carronades on the star- 
board side. Shortly after, the larboard bow of the enemy 
coming in contact with the Wasp, Captain Manners gave 
orders to board, but the attempt was gallantly repulsed by 
the crew of the Wasp, and the enemy was several times 
repelled. Orders were then given to board in turn. Throw- 
ing themselves with promptitude upon her deck, the Amer- 
icans succeeded in the execution of their orders; and, at 
length, the tiag of the enemy's ship came down. She was 
almost cut to pieces, and half her crew was killed and 
wounded. The loss of the Wasp \vas five killed and 
twenty-one wounded. The Reindeer, having been found 
altogether unmanageable, was blown up, and Captain 
Blakely steered for L'Orient, to provide for the wounded 
of both crews. 
J:' After leaving L'Orient, and capturing two valuable Brit- 

ll ish merchantmen. Captain Blakely fell in with a fleet of 
ten sail, under convoy of the Armada seventy-four, and a 
bomb ship. He stood for tlicm, and succeeded in cutting 
out of the squadron a brig, laden with brass and iron can- 
non and military stores, from Gibraltar. After taking out 
the prisoners and setting her on fire, he endeavored to cut 
out another, but was chased off by the seventy-four. In 
the evening of the 2d of September, at half past six, he 
descried two vessels, one on his starboard, and one on his 
larboard bow, and hauled for that which was farthest to 
windward. At seven she was discovered to be a brig of 
war, and at twenty-nine minutes past nine she was under 
the lee bow of the Wasp. An action soon after commenced, 
Avhich lasted until ten o'clock, when Captain Blakely, sup- 
posing his antagonist to be silenced, ceased firing, and de- 
manded if he had surrendered. No answer being returned, 
|l he commenced firing, and the enemy returned broadside for 



6:3 



vnd PwiMf» fing|ikl«e> and ^bft MatjislK mwK. ht 
sytteofer^ryexextMMANjs^uMdigqpQabfat: ttMSHuno^t. 
the Qrfy>inii. gUcteeg milder Iwrfanws 
iniQp. Tkft cnmifwIareilmiiiMiniiil to bear ap uid 
Imt. vhk Aft Mrtaatki of curf in^ kor by hoatdrngy and 
aJ^orvuds csGaqpiii^ in Ker. and abandiNUBg: las ova ship. 
li lias hft vas pi«v«Biled bf dK aMOMBMnrna^ oC dw «»e>- 
UT. vha pratiai^ed die en^agnaent Ifur tvo booiSv until 
the le^ «£ dft9 squadmn v»« last g^iwing: i^on than. 
He no V atssafled die Eadrmiaa^ and ki a ^MNtt tsne c««a- 
pftetelf sdaaced h», kaTiag her a wreel;. The Pkcsident 
also considnabtT danttged, haTing lo^ tventr-^Te 
kttkd and vonnded. Olt die a^fnoach of dw squad- 
Ktir the gallant ecmniodne. un vilhng to sacxiSee the fires 
of his nen in a useless cfwtest. «» leeetTmg: die fire of the 
nearest fi%ate. sunrendend. ONa diis oeca^on ve cannat 
pass in silence the dehonoiahie condn^ «€ the Bntish c^l- 
cets of As n&Ty, vheie sneh cu^t kast to hare been 

The seneroos and heraee character of Decatur is ac- 
knowledged whetBt e a die Amencan la^ is knova. and 
requires no testHUfmy a its snppoit^ lor die Bciti^ diesn> 
selres hare often dedared thetr adniiatMia of diis chiTal- 
lotts officer. The connnndiwe was taken on bfmd the 
Gndpukin^ fer the puapose of aiding the nusoahle fiurce of 
sumndoii^ his swfxd to die officer of a £ngale of equal 
siae. bat whkh would hare &dlen mto die hands of die 
r«— nndote> but fer the aqppioadi of the aquadion. Deca- 
tnr ind^nandr refiased to gire up his svoid to any one but 
t&e covHnandnr of die syadrow 

^\x dtt least among die expltxts of oar naral heroes; was 
diecaptoieof twoof dieeocmy's shipsof war by tbe Con- 
sdmsion^ f?bptain Stewart. Hj.t]I]^ sailed on a croisev he 
diseoTered. on die ^Otb Febcuarr. 1S15. rwo shifts one of 
whkh boce up lior die Consdtntnny bat soon allw changed 
her coarse, to join h»- oonsnt. The Constitutioii sare 
diase to bodx^ und at six^ P. M^ tanged ahead of die st«m- 
■wst bcoaght her on the qaaitery her consoit on die bow, 
5T 



674 WAR OF 1S12. 

and opened a broadside, Avhicli was immediately returned. 
An exchange ol" broadsides continued until both ships were 
enveloped in smoke, upon the clearing away of which, the 
Constitution iinding horselt' abreast of the headmost ship, 
Captain Stewart ordered both sides to be manned, backed 
topsails, and dropped into his first position. The ship on the 
bow backed sails also. The Constitution's broadsides were 
then fired from the larboard battery, and in a few moments 
the ship on the bow, perceiving her error in getting stern- 
board, filled away with the intention of tacking atJiwart 
the bows of the Constitution, while the other fell ofi' entirely 
unmanageable. The Constitution then filled away in pur- 
suit of the former, and, coming within a hundred yards, 
gave her several raking broadsides, and so crippled her 
that no further apprehetisions were entertained of her abil- 
ity to escape. The captain therefore returned to the first, 
wbich immediatelj^ struck. Possession was then taken of 
her by Lieutenant Hofimau, and she proved to be the frigate 
Cyane, Captain Gordon Falcon, of thirty-four guns. Cap- 
tain Stewart then steered in pursuit of the other vessel, and 
after a short resistance, in which she sullered considerably, 
she struck, with five feet water in her hold. She proved to 
be the sloop of war Levant, of eighteen thirty-two pound 
carronades. The loss on board the two ships amounted to 
about eighty in killed and wounded; on board the Consti- 
tution there were four killed and eleven wounded; but the 
ship received a very irilling injury. On the 10th of ^larch, 
Captain Stewart entered ihe harbor of Port Praya with his 
prizes, and on the 11th, the British squadron, of two sixty- 
gun ships and a frigate, appeared olf the entrance of the 
harbor. Captain Stewart, having no faith in his security 
in this neutral port, made sail with his prize, the Cyane, 
and, though closely pursued, had the good fortune to escape 
into the United States. The Levant was recaptured in a 
Portuguese port, in contempt of the neutral state. The 
Peacock. Hornet, and Tom Bowline, left New York a few 
days after the President, without having received informa- 
tion of her capture. On the 23d of January, 1S15, the 
Hornet parted company, and directed her course to Tristan, 



CAPTURE OF THE PENGUIN. 1815. 675 

Da Cimha, the place of rendezvous. On the 23d of March, 
she descried the British brig Penguin, Captain Dickinson, 
of eighteen guns and a twelve-pound carronade, near that 
island. Captain Biddle hove to, while the Penguin bore 
down. At forty minutes past one, the British vessel com- 
menced the engagement. The firing was hotly kept up for 
fifteen minutes, the Penguin gradually nearing the Hornet, 
with the intention to board, her captain having given 
orders for this piu-pose, but was killed by a grape shot. 
Her lieutenant then bore her up, and running her bowsprit 
between the main and mizzen rigging of the Hornet, gave 
orders to board. His men, however, perceiving the crew 
of the Hornet ready to receive them, refused to follow him. 
At this moment, the heavy swell of the sea lifted the 
Hornet ahead, and the enemy's bowsprit carried away her 
mizzen shrouds and spanker boom, and the Penguin hung 
upon the Hornet's quarter, with tlie loss of her foremast 
and bowsprit. Her commander tlien called out that he 
had surrendered, and Captain Biddle ordered his men to 
cease firing. At this moment an officer of the Hornet 
called to Captain Biddle, that a man was taking aim at 
him in the enemy's shrouds. He had scarcely changed his 
position, when a musket ball struck him in the neck, and 
wounded him severely. Two marines immediately level- 
led their pieces at the Englishman, and killed him before 
he brought his gun from his shoulder. The Penguin had, 
by that time, got clear of the Hornet, and the latter wore 
round to give the enemy a fresh broadside, when they 
cried out a second time that they had surrendered. It was 
with great difficulty that Captain Biddle could restrain his 
crew, who were exasperated at the conduct of the enemy. 
In twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the 
action, she was taken possession of by Lieutenant Mayo, of 
the Hornet. The Penguin was so much injured, that Cap- 
tain Biddle determined on taking out her crew and scuttling 
her; and afterwards sent ofi" his prisoners by the Tom Bow- 
line, which by this time had joined him with the Peacock. 
The enemy lost fourteen in killed, and twenty-eight wound- 
ed ; the Hornet one killed and eleven wounded. Captain 



676 WAR OF 1812. 

Biddle, being compelled to part from the Peacock by the 
appearance of a British ship of the line, after being closely 
pursued for several days, etiected his escape into St. Salva- 
dor, where the news of peace soon after arrived. The 
capture of the Cyane, the Levant, and the Penguin, took 
place before the expiration of the time limited by the second 
article of the treaty of peace. 

The exploits of the privateers continued to rival those 
of our national vessels. In one instance the enemy was 
compelled to pay dearly for his disregard of the sanctuary 
of a neutral port. The privateer Armstrong lay at anchor 
in the harbor of Fayal, when a British squadron, consist- 
ing of the Carnation, the Plantagenet, and the Rota, hove 
in sight. Captain Reid, of the privateer, discovering, by 
the light of the moon, tliat the enemy had put out his 
barges, and was preparing to attack him, cleared for ac- 
tion, and moved near the shore. Four boats, tilled with 
men, approached, and making no answer on being hailed, 
a lire was opened upon them, which was returned : but 
they soon called out for quarter, and were permitted to 
haul off. They then prepared for a more formidable 
attack. The privateer was now anchored within a cable's 
length of the shore, and within pistol shot of the castle. 
The next day they sent a tieet of boats, supported by the 
Carnation, which stood before the harbor, to prevent the 
escape of the privateer. At midnight, the boats approached 
a second time, to the number of twelve or fourteen, manned 
with several hundred men. They were sutfered to approach 
alongside of the privateer, and, without waiting an attack, 
they were assailed with such astonishing fury, that, in Ibrty 
minutes, scarcely a man of them was left alive. During 
these attacks, the shores were lined with the inhabitants, 
who, from the brightness o{ the moon, had a full view of 
the scene. The governor, with the lirst people of the 
place, stood by and saw the whole affair. After the 
second attack, the governor sent a note to the commander 
of the Plantagenet, Captain Lloyd, requesting him to de- 
sist, but was answered, that he was determined to have 
the privateer at the risk of knocking down the town. 



THE PRIVATEER ARMSTRONG. — 1S14. 



677 



The American consul having commnnicatcd this infor- 
mation to Captain Keid, he ordered his crew to save their 
eflects as fast as possible, and to carry the dead and 
wounded on shore. At dayhght the Carnation stood close 
to the Armstrong, and commenced a heavy fire; but, being 
considerably cut up by the privateer, she liauled off to 
repair. Captain Reid, now thinking it useless to jirotraet 
the contest, on her reappearance, scuttled his vessel, and 
escaped to the shore. The British loss amounted to ono! 
hundred and twenty killed, and one hundred and thirty 
wounded; that of the Americans Avas only two killed 
and seven wounded. Several houses in the town were 
destroyed, and some of the inhabitants wounded. 




57* 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

War of 1812. — Negotiations for peace — Campaign on ihe Niagara — 
Battles of Chifpeway and Bridgcxoater — Affairs in the Chesapeake — 
Capture of Washington — Attack on Baltimore — Affairs on the Cham- 
plain frontier — Invasion of Prevost — Battle of Plattsburg and Ml- 
Donough^s victory — Invasion of Louisiana — Battle of New Orleans- 
Peace of Ghent. 

During the course of the preceding events, the United 
States had made every demonstration of a wish to put an 
end to hostiUties on reasonable terms. In these efforts they 
were aided by the emperor of Russia, who, early in 1813, 
offered his mediation between the two powers. The gov- 
ernment of the United States acceded to this proposal, and 
despatched three commissioners, Adams, Gallatin and Bay- 
ard, to St. Petersburg, with power to conclude a treaty of 
peace. This reasonable offer, however, was rejected by the 
British cabinet, on the most frivolous grounds. 

The campaign of 1814, on the Niagara frontier, did not 
commence till the summer was far advanced, when a pretty 
strong American force was concentrated at Black Rock. On 
the 2d of July, a body of three thousand five himdred men, 
commanded by General Brown, crossed the river and cap- 
tured Fort Erie. A force of three thousand British, under 
General Riall, was posted at Chippeway, in a very strong 
position. Brown advanced against them on the 5th, and 
a general engagement ensued on the plain in front of the 
town. Both sides combatted with great obstinacy. Gen- 
erals Ripley and Scott distinguished themselves at the 
head of their respective corps. After many vicissitudes, in 
which the tide of success fluctuated between the contend- 
ing armies, the Americans followed up their attack so 
fiercely that the British were repulsed at every point, and 



BATTLE OF CHIPPEWAY. 1814. 



679 



retreated slowly till near the town, when their retreat be- 
came a confused and precipitate flight. They rallied, how- 
ever, under the batteries of Chippeway, and night put an 
end to the battle. The British suffered a loss in the battle 
of Chippeway of four hundred and fifty-three killed and 




wounded, with forty-six prisoners. The loss of the Amer- 
icans, in killed, wounded and missing, was three hundred 
and twenty-eight. The merit of this victory was much 
augmented by the fact that the American troops were 
mostly raw recruits, while the British were veterans who 
had fought under Wellington. 

Brown continued to advance upon the enemy, who drew 
off" in the direction of Fort George. After much skirmish- 
ing, the two armies met in battle at Bridgewater, near the 
falls of Niagara, on the 25th of July. The enemy occu- 
pied an eminence well fortified, and defended by thrice the 
number of men mustered by the Americans, while the 
latter sustained the unequal conflict more than an hour, 
when orders were given to advance^ and charge the enemy^s 



680 



WAR OF 1812, 



heisrhts, and break the British hne. But, the order bning 
couutermandod, the British pressed forward on the ninth 
resinient, whicli, with wonderful firnuiess, withstood the 
attack of their overwhehning numbers. The desperate 
efforts of the troops led General Riall, the British com- 
mander, to overrate the numbers to which he was opposed, 
and he sent to General Drummond for reinforcements. 




battle of Bridgervater. 

About this time an awful pause ensued between the two 
armies ; for a time no sound broke upon tl\e stillness of the 
nisfht, but the groans of the wounded, minsled with the 
distant din of the cataract of Niagara. Tlic shattered 
regiments were consolidated into one brigade, and the 
struggle continued with various manocuvvcs. (?nptain 
Ketchum had the good Ibrtune to make prisoner of General 
Riall, and of the aide of General Drummond ; the latter a 
most fortunate circumstance, as it prevented the concen- 
tration of the British force, contemplated by that oflicer, 
before the Americans were prepared for his reception. 

The enemy's artillery occupied a hill, which was the 



I 



BATTLE OF BRIDGEWATER. 1814. 681 

key to the whole position, and it would be in vain to hope 
for victory while they were permitted to retain it. General 
Ripley, addressing himself to Colonel Miller, inquired, 
whether he could storm the batteries at the head of the 
twenty-first, while he would himself support him with the 
younger regiment, the twenty-third. To this the wary 
but intrepid veteran replied, in an unaffected phrase, "1 
WILL THY, sni;" — words which were afterwards given as 
tlic motto of his regiment. The batteries were immedi- 
ately stormed, and carried at the point of the bayonet. 

Disheartened by these repeated defeats, the British were 
on the point of yielding the contest, when they received 
fresh reinforcements from Fort Niagara, which revived 
their spirits, and induced them to make another and still 
more desperate struggle. A conflict, dreadful beyond de- 
scription, ensued. The right and left repeatedly fell back, 
but were again rallied. At length the two lines closed 
with each other on the very summit of the hill, which they 
contested with terrific violence at the point of the bayonet. 
The British were completely beaten, and retired beyond 
the borders of the lield, leaving their dead and wounded. 
The loss, on this occasion, was in proportion to the obsti- 
nacy of the conflict, the whole being seventeen hundred and 
twenty-nhie ; of which the British amounted to twenty- 
seven more than the Americans. Generals Brown and 
Scott were both wounded. The Americans now fell back 
upon Fort Erie and extended its defences. Having been 
reinforced by a thousand men, the enemy appeared before 
Fort Erie on the 3d of August, and commenced with regu- 
lar approaches. By the 7th, the defences were suflicient 
to keep the enemy at bay. Until the 14th, the cannonade 
was incessant, and the enemy gained ground, but in skir- 
mishes the Americans were generally victorious. General 
Gaines now commanded at Erie, and Colonel Drummond 
was preparing to assail him. At half past two in the 
morning of the 1.5th, the attack was commenced by three 
columns. On the second attempt, the British gained the 
parapet, and the enemy received the orders of Colonel 
Drummond, to '■^ give no quarter!" The order was faith- 



682 WAR OF 1812. 

fully executed, and a terrible strife ensued. Colonel Drum- 
mond was killed, and the British were finally defeated. 
Their loss in this assault was two hundred and twenty- 
two killed, including fourteen otficers of distinction, one 
hundred and seventy-four wounded, and one hundred and 
eighty-six prisoners. The Americans lost seventeen killed, 
fifty-six wounded, and ten prisoners. 

Nothing further of particular importance took place until 
September, when General Brown, observing that the enemy 
had just completed a battery, which coidd open a most 
destructive fire, the next day planned a sortie, which has 
been considered a military chef-d'oeuvre. The British 
force consisted of three brigades, of one thousand five 
himdred men each, one of which was stationed at the 
works in front of Fort Erie: the other two occupied a camp 
two miles in the rear. Their design was to storm the 
batteries, destroy the cannon, and drive otf the besiegers. 
Porter, Davis, Ripley and Miller took charge of this haz- 
ardous enterprise, and, on the 17th, assaulted the enemy's 
batteries with such fury, that, after a short conflict, the 
works fell into the hands of the Americans. The cannon 
were then spiked, the batteries demolished, and the Ameri- 
cans returned to the fort with their prisoners, and the 
trophies of this signal exploit. The American loss in this 
affair was five hundred and eleven: that of the enemy 
upwards of a thousand, besides their cannon. 

We now return to the war upon the coast. About the 
middle of August, the British entered the Chesapeake with 
a fleet of about sixty sail, including transports, imder 
Admiral Cockbum, and landed six thousand men at Bene- 
dict, on the Patuxent. under the command of General 
Ross. On the 2"2d, they reached the Wood-yard, twelve 
miles from ^^'ashin^ton. where Commodore Barney caused 
a large flotilla of gun-boats to be destroyed, to prevent their 
falling into the hands of the enemy. On the 23d. the 
British reached Bladensburjjh. six miles from Washinsrton, 
where they dispersed the militia, after a short resistance, 
and advanced to the city. Commodore Barney had assem- 
bled a small force in defence of the capital, but he was 



ATTACK OK BALT1.M0RK. 1S14. 6S3 

soon overpowered by nuinbers. womuled and taken pris- 
oner, and the capital fell into the hands ot" the enemy. By 
order of General Ross, the capitol. the president's house, 
the executive oiiices, the navy-yard and the ships Nvere 
burnt. The enemy retired, on the night of the 2oth, by- 
rapid marclies. and regained their ships. 

On the 11th oi Sepiember. the British appeared at the 
moutli of the Patapseo. about fourteen miles from Balti- 
more, witli a lieet of ships of war and transports, amount- 
ing to fifty sail. On the next day. ihe land forces, to the 
mnnber of six thousand men. the veterans of Wellinjjton, 
debarked at North Point, and. under the command of Oen- 
eral Koss. took up their march for the citv. A body of three 
thousand militia, under General :Stricker. marched towards 
North Point, to opix^se the enemy. On the r.3th. they 
reached the head of Be^ar Creek, seven miles from the city, 
where they halted, Avith the exception of the cavalry and 
ritlemen. who were pushed forward in advance of the en- 
campment. The next morning iniormation was received 
that the enemy were debarking troops under cover of their 
gim-vessels. wiiich lay oil the blulf at North Point, within 
the mouth of Uie Patapseo river. The baggage was im- 
mediately ordered back under a strong guard, and disposi- 
tions were made to receive the enemy. A detachment was 
ordered to advance, which had scarcely proceeded half a 
mile, when they came in contact with the main body of 
the enemy. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which several of 
the Americans were killed and wounded, but not uure- 
venged, for in this atlair the enemy lost their conmiander- 
in-chief, General Koss. This otticer had imprudently 
proceeded too far, for the purpose of reconnoitrmg. when 
he was killed by one of the company of Captain Howard, 
who was in the advance. 

After the death of Ross, the command devolved on 
Colonel Brook, who continued to push forward, notwith- 
standing this occurrence. The American detachment fell 
back : the enemy conunenced throwing rockets, which did 
no mjury : and innnediately the American artillery opened 
their lire upon them. The enemy's right column now dis- 



684 WA& OF loa. 

played, and advanced. Unfortunately, at this juncture, 
an American regiment, from some sudden panic, after 
giving a random fire, broke and retreated in such confusion 
as rendered it impossible to rally it. and occasioned much 
disorder. The fire by this time became general, from right 
to left ; the artillery poured an incessant and destructive 
stream upon the enemy's left colunm. which endeavored 
to shelter itself behind a log house, but this was instantly 
in a blaze. 

About ten minutes past three, the British line came on 
with a rapid discharge of musketry. The fire was inces- 
sant, until about twenty-five minutes before four o'clock, 
during which time General Strieker gallantly contended 
against four times his numbers : but. finding that the ime- 
qual contest could be maintained no longer, and that the 
enemy was aK">ut to out dank him. he was compelled to 
retire upon his reserve, which he efl'ected in good order. 

In the mean time, the naval attack on Fort M' Henry 
had already commenced from five British bomb vessels, at 
the distance of two miles ; when, finding themselves suffi- 
ciently near, tliey anchored, and kept up an incessant 
bombardment. A tremendous fire was opened from the 
fort, which compelled them, precipitately, to gam their 
former position. The bombardment was kept up during 
the whole day and night. The city of Baltimore, thus 
assailed on both sides, awaited the result with death-like 
silence, and yet no eye was closed in sleep. 

By the next morning the K">mbardment ceased, after 
upwards of fifteen himdred shells had been thrown, a 
large portion of which burst over the fort, and scattered 
their fragments amongst its defenders. The enemy, not 
■willing to abide such rough handling, retreated under cover 
of a dark and stonny night, and. in tlie morning. General 
Winder was detached in pursuit : but the time which had 
elapsed was sufiicient for embarkation, and the rear could 
not be cut off. The next day the fleet descended tlie bay, 
to the great joy of the uihabitauts of Baltimore, 

"We shall now return to the operations oh the northern 
frwitier. About the 1st of September, Sir George Pr«vost 




Jacob Brown. 




Edward Pr<.OiC, 




AfZ.iikr Sc. CJcJir. 




ir;.:..;n r^j: 



WAR ON THE CHAMPLAIN FRONTIER. IjiU. 6S5 

led his army to Plattsburg, while the fleet proceeded up 
lake Champlaiii on his lelt. to make a siniuhaneous attack 
by laud and water. Tlie peace in Europe permitted the 
English government to transport large bodies ot' troojis. and 
they had already sent on a considerable army to Canada. 
Fourteen thousand of these were organized, under Prevosl, 
and the remainder were sent to opi^H>se General Brown, on 
the Niagara. To oppose this overwhelming force. General 
Macomb, the American connnander in the north, had but 
fit'teen hundred regulars, including new recruit*: and inva- 
lids. The works were hi no state of defence, and the stores 
and ordnance were in great disorder. The British took 
possession of Champlain. on the 3d of ^September, and, 
from the proclamations and impressments of wagons and 
teams in this vicinity, it was soon discovered that their 
object was an attack on Plattsburg. Not a moment was 
to be lost in placing the works in a state of defence. Ma- 
comb called on General 3iIooers for the New York militia. 
Mooers collected about seven hundred; and small detach- 
ments were posted so as to watch and harass the enemy, 
who contiimed to advance till they reached Plattsburg, 
which is situated on the northeast side of the Saranac, near 
its entrance into lake Champlain. directly opposite the 
American works. The town was. of course, abandoned, 
and occupied by the British. Attempts were made to take 
possession of the bridge, but it was i-esolutely guarded by 
the Americans. AVhen our troops had passed the bridge, 
the piaiiks were raised, and used for a breastwork. The 
enemy, now masters of the village, mstead of attempting 
to carry the American works on the opposite side of the 
river, which their vast superiority of force might have 
enabled them to do, contented themselves with erecting 
works, whence thev continued to annoy the Americans, 
and constantlv skirmishing at the bridges and fords. By 
the 11th, the tilth day of the siege, a considerable force of 
New York and Vermont militia, which had been continu- 
ally collecting, lined the Saraiiac, and repelled the attempts 
of the British to cross, while, at the same time, a conside- 
rable body was sent to harass their rear. There was 

58 



6S6 



WAR OF 1S12. 



scarcely an intermission to the skirmishes which took place 
between them ami the militia, wiio acted, alter the lirsl 
day. with great intrepidity. 

Tlie principal cause of delay, which was fortnnate for 
the Americans, was the momentary expectation of the 
British tieet. which was intended to cooperate. On the 
morning of the 11th. at eight o'clock, the look-out boat of 
Commodore ^IDonongh annonnced its approach. It con- 
sisted of the Contiance, carrying thirty-nine guns, twenty- 
seven of which were twenty-four pounders; the brig l.iu- 
net, of sixteen guns: tlie sloops Chub and Finch, each 
carrying eleven guns: thirteen galleys, live of which car- 
ried two. and the remainder one gim. ^I'Donough. at this 
moment, lay at anchor in Plattsbnrg bay. His ileet con- 
sisted of the Saratoga, of twenty-six gnns: the Eagle, of 
twenty; the Ticonderoga, of seventeen, the Preble, seven; 




Fa::: a .-f P.". 



and ten galleys. Besides the advantage which the enemy 
possessed in being able to choose their position, their force 
was much superior. The numlier of guns in the British 



BATTLK ON LAKE CHAMl'LAIN. 1S14. 687 

fleet amounted to ninety-five, and of men to upwards of a 
thousand; while that of the Americans was eighty-six, 
and the number of men less by two hundred. The Amer- 
ican vessels were moored in line, with live gun-boats and 
galleys on each tlank. At nine o'clock, the British an- 
chored in line, abreast of the American squadron, at about 
three hundred yards distance. 

In this situation the whole force on both sides became 
engaged ; and, at the same moment, the contest commenced 
between JMacomb and Prevost. One of the British sloops 
was soon thrown out of the engagement, by running on a 
reef of rocks, while one division of the enemy's galleys 
was so roughly handled as'to be compelled to pull out of 
the way. The American commodore maintained the une- 
qual contest for two hours; but the greater weight of the 
enemy's battery seemed to incline the scale of victory, 
allliongh he sutfered prodigiously. The chances against 
the Saratoga were accidentally increased by the commander 
of the Eagle, who, not being able to bring his guns to bear 
as he wished, cut his cable, and ancliored between the 
Ticouderoga and Saratoga, by Avhich this vessel was ex- 
posed to a galling lire iVom the enemy's brig. The guns 
on the starboard side had by this time been either dis- 
mounted or become unmanageable. The situation of the 
enemy was but little better. To both, the fortune of the 
day depended on the execution of one of the most difllcult 
naval mancEuvres— to wind their vessel round, and bring 
a new broadside to bear. The Con fiance essayed it in 
vain, but the ellbrts of the Saratoga were successful. A 
stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship 
winded with a tVcsh broadside on the frigate, which soon 
after surrendered. A broadside was then brought to bear 
on the briii;, which surrendered in fifteen mimites after. 
The sloop opposed to the Eagle had struck to Captain 
llcnley some time before, and drifted down the line. Three 
of the galleys were sunk, the others escaped; all the rest 
of the fleet surrendered. By the time this bloody contest 
was over, there was scarcely a mast in either squadron 
capable of bearing a sail, and the greater part of the ves- 



688 WAR OF 1812. 

sels in a sinking state. There -were fifty round shot in the 
hull of the Saratoga, and in the Confiance one hundred 
and five. The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot. 
The action lasted two hours and twenty minutes. Captain 
Downie, the conniiander of the Confiance. was killed. The 
total loss in the American squadron amounted to fifty-two 
killed and fifty-eight wounded. The loss of the enemy 
was eighty-four killed, one hundred and ten woxmded, and 
eight huridred and fifty-six prisoners, which actually ex- 
ceeded the number of their captors. 

This engagement, so deeply interesting to the two rival 
nations, took place in sight of tjje hostile armies. But they 
were by no means quiet spectators of the scene; a hot 
engagement was kept up during the whole time; the air 
was filled with bombs, rockets, shrapnels, and hot balls. 
Three desperate efibrts were made, by the Hritish, to cross 
over and storm the American works, in whicli they were 
as often repulsed, with considerable loss. An attempt to 
force the bridge was bravely defeated. The British 
attempted a ford about three miles above, but were so 
briskly assailed by a body of volunteers and militia posted 
in a wood, that the greater part of the detachment was cut 
to pieces. The efforts of the enemy naturally relaxed, after 
witnessing the painful sight, so little expected, of the entire 
capture of their fieet. The firing was. however, kept up 
mitil night. At night the enemy withdrew their artillery, 
and raised the siege. The plans of Preyost were com- 
pletely frustrated. Under the cover of the night, he sent 
ofi' all his baggage and artillery for which he found means 
of transportation; and. Ix-fore day the next morning, his 
whole force precipitately retreated, leaving behind their 
sick and wounded. Vast quantities of military stores and 
munitions of M'ar Avere abandoned by them, and still 
greater quantities were afterwards foimd hid in marshes, 
or buried in the ground. They were hotly pursued ; a 
number of stragglers were picked up, and upwards of five 
hmidred deserters came in. 

Thus was this portentous invasion most happily repelled, 
and another of our inland seas made glorious by the vie- 



WAR IN THE SOUTH. — 1814. 689 

tories of free Americans. Meantime, negotiations for peace 
were going on in Europe, but the British demanded a large 
portion of territory, and a total rolinqnislmient of the lake- 
shores, as a sine qua non. To these conditions it is evident 
our government could not accede, and the negotiations were 
broken otf. 

About this time, a convention, composed of delegates 
from several of the New England states, met at Hartford, 
the members of which were hostile to the war. This step 
occasioned much excitement, and was the subject of many 
speculations. It was charged with the design of sundering 
the union of the states ; but, after a brief session, terminated 
in an address and remonstrance, or petition to congress, 
enumerating several objections to the federal constitution. 
It was presented to several states for approbation, but was 
unifornily rejected. 

The public attention was next awakened by a most 
alarming state of alfairs to the southward. The Creek 
war was renewed, and a powerful invasion of Louisiana 
was threatened. General Jackson, after concluding a 
treaty with the Creeks, moved his head quarters to Mobile. 
Here, about the latter end of August, he received certain 
information that three British ships of war had arrived at 
Pensacola, and that tliirteen ships of the line, with trans- 
ports, were daily expected, with ten thousand troops, for 
the purpose of invading some of the southern states. On 
the receipt of this information, he immediately Avrote to 
the governor of Tennessee, calling for the whole quota of 
that state. 

On the loth of September, three vessels of war, from 
Pensacola, appeared before Fort Bowyer, which commands 
the entrance to Mobile Bay. A proclamation was issued 
by Colonel Nichols, commanding his majesty's forces in 
Florida, addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, inviting them to aid the British. 
He likewise made a proposition to the pirates of Barataria. 
This nest of desperadoes amounted to five or six hundred, 
and tiieir commander, Lafitte, had been outlawed by the 
|i American government. Lafitte rejected the British offer, 

5S* 



690 WAR OF 1812. 

and, on a pardon being offered him by the governor of 
Louisiana, he joined the Americans. 

Jackson, finding the governor of Pensacola affording as- 
sistance to the British, marched to the attack of the place, 
Pensacola was taken on the 7th of November. The com- 
mandant of the fort evacuated it with his troops just as 
the Americans were preparing to make a furious assault. 
The British withdrew their shipping, and Jackson, having 
accomplished his purpose, returned to Mobile. Hearing 
of the danger of New Orleans, he next repaired thither for 
its defence, and arrived on the 2d of December. He put 
in requisition all the powers of his mind, and took the 
most active measures to prevent the effects of an expected 
invasion. Batteries were constructed in important situa- 
tions, and every obstruction put in the way of the invaders. 

About the 5th of December, certain intelligence was 
received that the British fleet, consisting of at least sixty 
sail, was off the coast. Commodore Patterson immediately 
despatched five gun-boats, under the command of Lieuten- 
ant Jones, to watch the motions of the enemy. On the 
14th, the gun-boats, while becalmed, were attacked by 
nearly forty barges and twelve hundred men, and, after a 
contest of an hour with • this overwhelming force, the 
flotilla surrendered. 

By a variety of manoeuvres the British continued to ad- 
vance till they reached the bank of the Mississippi, eight 
or ten miles below New Orleans. Here General Jackson 
had constructed his chief defence, consisting of a breast- 
work extending from the river on his right to a cypress 
swamp on his left. To hasten the construction of these 
works, cotton bags were used, as the cheeks of the em- 
brasures. As the enemy was still annoyed by the schooner 
Caroline, which lay in the Mississippi, they set to Avork in 
constructing batteries to attack her, and, on the 27th of 
December, threw hot shot, by which she was set on fire 
and blown up, about an hour after she was abandoned by 
her crew. The Louisiana then took her station. On the 
28th, the British advanced up the levee in force, with the 
intention of driving Jackson from his entrenchments, and, 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 1815. 691 

at the distance of half a mile, commenced an attack with 
rockets, bombs, and a heavy cannonade, as he approached 
the American Avorks, which were yet unfinished. The 
Louisiana, discharging her broadside npon the enemy's 
column, caused great destruction ; the fire from the Amer- 
ican batteries was not less destructive ; and, after a violent 
struggle of seven hours, the British retired. 

The British force amounted to little short of fifteen 
thousand of the finest troops; that of the Americans to 
about six thousand, chiefly raw militia. The British now 
prepared for a serious attempt on the American works. 
With great labor, they had completed, by the 7th, a canal 
from the swamp to the Mississippi, by which they were 
enabled to transport a number of boats to the river. It 
was their intention to make a simultaneous attack on the 
main force of General Jackson on the left bank, and, cross- 
ing the river, to attack the batteries on the right. The 
works of the Americans Avere by this time completed. The 
front was a straight line of one thousand yards, defended 
by upwards of three thousand infantry and artillerists. 
The ditch contained five feet water, and its front, from 
having been flooded by opening the levees, and frequent 
rains, was rendered slippery and muddy. Eight distinct 
batteries were judiciously disposed, mounting, in all, twelve 
guns, of difterent calibre. On the opposite side of the 
river there was a strong battery of fifteen guns, and the 
entrenchments were occupied by the Louisiana militia and 
Kentucky troops. The British commander, having made 
every preparation for an attack, on the morning of the 8th 
of January detached Colonel Thornton, with a considera- 
ble force, to attack the works on the right bank of the 
river. He then moved, with his whole force, exceeding 
twelve thousand men, in two divisions, under Major Gen- 
erals Gibbs and Keane, and a reserve under General 
Lambert. The first of these officers was to make the 
principal attack ; the two columns Avere supplied Avith 
scaling ladders and fascines. The British deliberately 
advanced in solid columns, over an even plain, in front of 
II the American entrenchments ; the men carrying, besides 



092 



WAR OF 1812. 



their muskets, fascines, and some of them ladders. A dead 
silence prevailed until they approached within reach of the 
batteries, which commenced an incessant and destructive 
cannonade ; tiicy, notwithstanding, continued to advance 
in tolerable order, closing up their ranks as fast as they 
were opened by the tire of the Americans. When they 
came within reach of the musketry and rifles, these joined 
with the artillery, and produced such dreadful havoc that 
they were instantly thrown into confusion. Never was 
there so tremendous a fire as that kept up from the Amer- 
ican lines; it was a continued stream; those behind load- 




Battle of iVero Orleans. 

ing for the men in front, enabling them to fire wnth scarcely 
an intermission. The British columns were literally swept 
away ; hundreds fell at every discharge. The British 
officers were now making an etlbvt to rally their men, and, 
in this attempt, their commander. Sir Edward Packen- 
ham, was killed. 

The two generals, Gibbs and Keane, succeeded in push- 
ing forward their columns a second time; but the second 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 1815, 693 

approach was more fatal than the first; the continued 
rolling fire of the Americans resembled peals of tlnmder. 
It was such as no troops could withstand. The advancing 
columns broke, and no ellbrt to rally them could avail ; a 
few platoons only advanced to the edge of the ditch, to 
meet a more certain destruction. An unavailing attempt 
was made to rally them a third time, by their officers, 
whose gallantry, on this occasion, deserved a better fate, 
in a better cause. Generals Gibbs and Keane were carried 
away, severely wounded, the former mortally. The plain 
between the front of the British and the American lines 
was strewed with dead. So dreadful a carnage, consider- 
ing the length of time and the numbers engaged, was, 
perhaps, never witnessed. Two thousand, at the lowest 
estimate, fell by the American shot. The loss of the 
Americans did not exceed seven killed and six wounded. 
General Lambert was the only general officer left upon 
the field ; being unable to check the flight of the British 
columns, he retired to his encampment. 

In the mean time, the detachment under Colonel Thorn- 
ton succeeded in landing on the right bank, and imme- 
diately attacked the intrenchment. The American right, 
believing itself outflanked, abandoned its position, while 
the left maintained its ground for some time ; but, finding 
itself deserted by those on the right, and being outnum- 
bered by the enemy, they spiked their guns and retired. 
But the British, seeing the fate of the assault on the left 
bank, immediately recrossed the river. 

During the night of the 8th, the British abandoned 
their camp and retreated precipitately. From the nature 
of the country, it was found impossible to pursue them. 
Their loss in this fatal expedition was immense ; besides 
their generals, and a number of valuable officers, their 
force was diminished by at least five thousand men. They 
made all possible haste to thbir fleet, reembarked, and 
abandoned the country. The glorious defence of New 
Orleans produced the most lively joy throughout the United 
States, and was creditable in the highest degree to General 
Jackson and his brave troops. The courage of the Amer- 



694 



"WAR OF 1812. 



ican militia and the skill of their officers have seldom 
been crowned with such brilliant success. 

But the war was now drawing to a close. The pacifica- 
tion of Europe, consequent on the downfall of Napoleon, 
had removed the main grievances which had led to hos- 
tilities — namely, the impressment of seamen and illegal 
blockades. . A negotiation was opened at Ghent, in the 
Netherlands, toward the end of 1S14, between the Amer- 
ican commissioners, J. Q. Adams, Bayard, Clay, Russell, 
and Gallatin, and the British commissioners, Gambier, 
Goulburn, and Adam. On the 24tli of December, 1814, 
a treaty of peace was signed. It was immediately ratified 
by the prince regent; and, on the IStli of February, 1S15, 
it Avas ratified by the senate of the United States. This 
happy event gave satisfaction to all parties, and was wel- 
comed by expressions of the greatest joy on both sides of 
the Atlantic. The Avar had left the United States deeply 
in debt, and commerce had suffered larselv- But the 
honor of the country had been vindicated, and a national 
spirit aroused throughout the land. At the close of the 
contest the United States stood higher than ever in repu- 
tation abroad, and took a high rank among the naval 
powers of the world. 




CHAPTER XLVII. 

Monroe's Administration. — General stale of the country — Algerine 
war — Tour of the president — Mississippi admitted into the Union — 
Capture of Amelia Island — Illinois admitted into the Union — Seminole 
luar — Invasion of Florida by General JacJison — Execution of Arhuthnot 
and Ambristcr — Capture of Pcnsacola — Florida ceded to the United 
States — Maine separated from Massachusetts — Missouri admitted into 
the Union — Arrical of La Fayette, and his tour throughout the country 
— John Quincy Adams elected president — Prosperous condition of 
the United States — View of the ujestcrn stales — Rapid groiclh and 
flourishing state of the western settlements. 

The war was now at an end, and with it ceased much 
of the asperity of pohtical excitement and party bickering. 
But to repair tlie losses of the war, and to regain the 
connnercial prosperity, which had been nearly annihilated, 
was not the work of a momejit. Much of the commerce 
to which our attention had been turned, had fallen into 
other hands, and ship-building, excepting for the navy, 
had been nearly forgotten. 

The conduct of the Barbary powers having been insult- 
ing to the United States during the war with England, on 
the conclusion of peace, a squadron was fitted out, under 
Commodore Decatur, to chastise these piratical states. 
Early in the summer of 181.5, Decatur arrived in the 
Mediterranean, and, on the 15th of June, off Cape de Gatt, 
fell in with an Algerine frigate, commanded by Rais Ham- 
mida, who had long been the terror of the Mediterranean. 
After a running fight of twenty-five minutes, she was 
captured. The squadron then proceeded to Algiers, where 
it arrived on the 28tH. The Dey was so terrified at the 
appearance of the American ships, that, within forty-eight 
hours, he agreed to a treaty, the terms of which were die- 



696 



Monroe's administration. 



tated by Decatur. By this treaty, no tribute was ever to 
be demanded of the United States by Algiers ; all Amer- 




Stephen Decatur. 

icans in slavery were to be given up without ransom; 
compensation was made for American property seized ; and 
prisoners taken in vvar were not to be treated as slaves, 
but to be exchanged without ransom. After concluding 
this treaty, the squadron sailed for Tunis, where indemni- 
ties were obtained of the bashaw for spoliations committed 
under his authority. From Tunis, Decatur proceeded to 
Tripoli, where he compelled the government to make a 
similar redress; he likewise obtained the release of ten 
captive . Danes and Neapolitans. Having effected these 
important measures, the squadron returned to the United 
States in November, IS 15. 

James Monroe became president of the United States in 
March, 1S17, and Daniel D. Tompkins vice-president. 
During the summer and autumn of the same year, the 
president made a tour through the northern and eastern 
sections of the Union, where his presence was welcomed 
with the greatest cordiality, and party feeling seemed 



SEMINOLE WAR. — 1818. 697 

merged in national patriotism. On the 1st of December, 
congress convened, and the message of the president 
stated that our national credit was rising, and that the 
defences of the country were in a state of forwardness; 
that arrangements were made with Great Britain to re- 
duce the naval force of the two countries on the lakes ; 
that each country was to retain possession of the islands 
as before the late war ; and that our foreign relations were 
of a pacific character. He also specially recommended 
the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary army to the 
notice of congress, and pressingly advocated a repeal of 
the internal duties, as needless to be continued any longer. 
Mississippi was admitted into the Union as an independent 
state, on the 11th of December, with the usual formalities. 
In the course of the same month, an expedition, which 
had been set on foot against Florida by foreign adven- 
turers, was checked by the troops of the United States. 
The actors claimed authority under the colonies of South 
America, and had formed an establishment at Amelia 
Island, a Spanish province. The American government, 
therefore, saw proper to take possession of the island, and 
break up the haunt of a lawless banditti. Another estab- 
lishment, similar in its profession and practices, was formed 
at Galveston, an island on the Texan coast, belonging to 
the United States. Slaves, in considerable numbers, were 
thus smuggled into the country, and importations of goods 
were made, through the same channel, in a clandestine 
manner. A naval force, with troops, was sent against 
them, and the island surrendered without loss of blood. 

In April, 1818, Illinois adopted a state constitution, and, 
in December following, was admitted into the Union. 

In 1818, the Seminole Indians, urged on, as is supposed, 
by foreign emissaries who resided among them, commenced 
hostilities. An open attack was made on Fort Scott, where 
a small force of Americans, under General Gaines, had 
been stationed. The war having now assumed a menacing 
aspect, General Jackson was intrusted with the command. 
Believing that the Seminoles could not be subdued unless 
they were followed into Florida, he marched upon St. 
59 



J 



69y Monroe's administration. 

Marks, a Avcak garrison, where a portion of them had 
taken refuge. Possession of the fort was taken easily, 
and occupied by Jackson as an American post. The main I 
army then marched to Suwaney river, where they con- 
sumed an Indian village. At this time, the court-martial 
was held, at which Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert C. 
Ambrister, two Englishmen, who were captured in the act 
of supplying the Indians with arms and ammunition, were 
tried and condemned to death. Two Indian chiefs were 
Inmg without trial. 

General Jackson soon received information that the gov- 
ernor of Pensacola favored the Indians ; on the knowledge 
of which, he marched to that place, and captured it, with 
hardly a show of resistance. The governor having es- 
caped to Barancas. a fort six miles distant, it was invested 
by the American troops, and taken, after a resistance of 
two days, the troops being transported to Havana. A 
military government was instituted, of which information 
was given to the secretary of war. The president, how- 
ever, soon restored the country to the Spaniards, giving 
the reasons for its occupation. The bold steps taken by 
the general in this afiair excited considerable public sensa- 
tion, and the subjects of complaint were brought before 
congress. A military committee censured his conduct, 
but the house did not concur. 

In Januarv. 1S19. a convention between the United 
States and Great Britain was sanctioned by the president. 
This instrument gave liberty to the citizens of the United 
States to take lish on the banks of Newfoundland, and 
fixed the northern boundaries of the United States. In 
February following. East and ^^'est Florida, with the ad- 
jacent islands, were ceded to the United States by Spain. 
In October, the treaty Avas ratified by the king. Formal 
possession was given to the United States in July follow- 
ing. - In the spring of 1S19. Arkansas was constituted a 
territory by an act of congress. In the following year, 
Maine, which had formerly belonged to Massachusetts, 
was erected into an independent state, and joined the 



ARRIVAL OF LA FAYETTE. 1824. 



699 



federal Union. The separation from the parent state was 
on the most amicable terms. 

Mr. Monroe was reelected president in 1820. This year, 
Missouri was admitted into tiie Union, after a very stormy 
debate in congress on the subject of allowing slavery in 
that state, which was finally granted. 

In March, 1820, -an unfortunate personal misunder- 
standing arose between Captains Uccatur and Ikirron, of 
the navy, occasioned by the former indulging in some 
severe animadversions on the conduct of the latter in 
remaining abroad during the war. The misunderstanding 
led to a challenge, and a duel was fought at Washington 
on the 22d of March, in which Decatur was killed. His 
death was considered as a public calamity, as he was one 
of the first naval commanders in the service, for courage, 
skill, and experience. It was, however, generally con- 
sidered that he had unnecessarily provoked the quarrel in 
which he lost his life. 

On the 16th of August, 1824, the revolutionary hero. La 
Fayette, accompanied by his son, landed in New York, 




Landitig of La Fayelle. 

where he was welcomed in a manner which evinced a 
sense of national gratitude never surpassed. From New 
York, he passed through the country to Boston, constantly 



700 Monroe's apmixistratiov. 

receiving the most enthusiastic congratulations of the peo- 
ple. Not only at every place where he stopped, but as her 
passed along the road, thousands came to catch a glimpse 
of him. and bid " Welcome La Fayette." Having visited 
most of the principal towns in ^lassachusetts. IVew Hamp- 
shire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, he again returned to 
New York. During this tour, it is impossible to convey, in 
general terms, an adequate idea of the excitement into 
which the country was thrown. Committees were con- 
stantly arriving, from distant towns, at the places where he 
stopj>ed, to solicit the iionor ot receiving him, and to know 
on what day, and at what hour, his arrival might be 
expected. In some instances, gentlemen residing at a dis- 
tance from his route, directed tlie new^ of his approach to 
be sent them by expresses. Meantime the general was so 
obliging as to allow liimself to be transported witli the 
utmost rapidity from place to place, often travelling most of 
the night, so as not to disap}x>int the anxious expectations 
of the people. From New York he went to Philadelphia, 
Baltimore. Washington. »]tc.. constantly receiving from the 
people the s;\me cordial welcome, and wimessing tlie same 
demonstrations of joy wherever he went. 

But the feelinars of the nation demanded that something 
more should be done for La Fayette than could be ex- 
pressed by acclamation alone. His love of liberty had 
been the means of depriving him of a great proportion ot 
his fortune. When, during our revolution, the country 
was so exhausted as to be unable to clothe or feed her little 
army. La Fayoite not only gave all his pay to govem- 
ment. but advanced money which never was relimded : so 
that, in addition to the debt of gratitude, the nation owed 
him for advancements made during her necessities. Con- 
gress, therefore, in December. 1S24, granted him two hun- 
dred thousand dollars and a township of land. Having 
made the tour ot" the United States in a sort of perj^etual 
triumph, he returned to France, covered with the benedic- 
tions of a grateful }>eople. 

The choice of president, on the termination of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, not being settled by the electoral vote, 



STATE OF THE COUNTRY. — 1S25. 76t 

devolved on the house of representatives. John Qunicy 
Adams was chosen, and took the oath of office on the 4th 
of March, lS2o. John 0. Calhoun was chosen vice-presi- 
dent by the electors. 

A lively and accurate picture of the prosperous condition 
of the United States was given in Mr. Adams's inaugural 
address, from which we make the following extracts : 
" The year of jubilee, since the tirst formation of our 
Union, has just elapsed ; that of the declaration of our inde- 
pendence is at hand. The consummation of both Avas 
etlectod by this constitution. Since that period, a ]iopida- 
tion of four millions has nudtipliod to twelve. A territory, 
bounded by the IMississippi. has been extended from sea to 
sea. New states have been admitted to the Union, in 
number nearly equal to those of the hrst confederation. 
Treaties of peace, amity, and commerce, have been con- 
cluded with the principal dominions of the earth. The 
people of other nations. inha1)itants of regions acquired not 
by conquest, but by compact, have been miited with us in 
the participation of our rights and duties, of our burdens 
and blessings. The forest has fallen by the axe of our 
Avoodmeu ; the soil has been made to teem by the tillage of 
our farmers ; our commerce has whitened every ocean. 
The dominion of man over plu'sical nature has been 
extended by the invention of our artists. Liberty and law 
have marched hand in haml. All the purposes of himian 
association have been accomplished as etfectively as under 
any other government on the globe, and at a cost little 
exceeding, in a whole generation, the expenditures of other 
nations in a single year. Such is the miexaggerated pic- 
lure of our condition." 

We have already given a sketch of the early history of 
the settlements beyond the Allegany mountains. The 
war of 1S12 thrcAv a considerable check in the way of their 
prosperity; but. on the return of peace, the tide of emigra- 
tion tlowed to the west in a more copious stream than ever, 
and the rapiditj- with which those distant regions filled up 
with inhabitants, has hardly a parallel in the history of the 
world. The eastern states being densely peopled, and siif- 
59* 



702 MOM?OE*S ADMCilSTBATlOS. 

ferinjT from a staeiiatioii of trade, durinff the first rears of 
tlie peace, gave out large crowds of its restless aiid euter- 
prising population, who left the Atlantic shores for a new 
home on the banks of the Ohio and Mississippi : while, in 
tlie old world, the united pressures of poverty and political 
discontent impelled iunimierable multitudes to seek refuse 
for better fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Emisrants 
from Great Britain. Germany and Switzerland, arrived iu 
every ship, and almost all took their way to the western 
states. The common route was across Pennsylvania from 
Philadelphia to Pittsburg. Old America seemed to be 
breaking up and moving to the west. The traveller, on this 
route, was seldom out of sight of family groups joumeyine 
to the Ohio. Among these, ilie Xew Elngland emigrants 
were the most conspicuous. Generally a small wagon, so 
light that it might almost be carried on two men's shoul- 
ders, yet strong enough to bear a good load of bedding, 
utensils, and provisions, and to sustain violent shocks in 
its passage over these rocky heights, with two small horses 
and a cow or two. comprised tb.eir all. except a little store 
of hard-earned cash for the land-olfice of the district. Tlie 
wagon had a slight covering, consisting of a sheet or a 
blanket, and the fajnily trudged before or behind, or sat 
within, according to the weather, or perhaps the spirits of 
tlie party. The Xew Elnglanders might be known by the 
cheerful air of the women, advancing in front of the vehi- 
cle. — the New Jensey people by tlieir keeping constantly 
within it, whilst the Pennsylvanians saimtered lingermg 
behind. Sometimes tlie emigrants proceeded on foot, bear- 
iiie all their etlects uiv>n their backs. To give tlie reader 
some conception of the constant and rapid indux of popu- 
lation into the western states, we need only mention that 
twelve thousand ^x^agons crossed the moimtains in the year 
1S17. besides the pedestrian emigrants. 

In consequence of this great movement, the western 
states filled up with inhabitants, and advanced in wealth 
and prosperity with a rapidity not to be adequately con- 
ceived, except by an eye- wi mess. Tlie sudden transform- 
ation firom a wild solitude to a populous state, filled with 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. — lj!25. 703 

thriving towns and cultivated fields, is the most striking 
spectacle, perhaps, ihat the history of human civilization 
has ever exhibited. The settler fixed himself in the lone 
wilderness, and built a log-cabin for his family.— the only 
sign of civilization that could be discovered for perhaps a 
hundred miles. In two years he was surrounded by ricli 
fields of corn and wheat, and orchards with abundance of 
fruit-trees. Eight or ten years atterwards, the log-cabin 
had disappeared, and a handsome brick or frame house had 
taken its place, containing all the comforts and luxuries of 
the dwellings in the Atlantic states. Such is a general 
picture of the settlement of the west, and the unparalleled 
rapidity with which the desert was made to blossom as the 
rose. The great valley of the Mississippi, a region com- 
prising the richest soil and the most abundantly watered 
territory on the face of the earth, was thus filled up with 
inhabitants. Ohio. Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, be- 
came rich, populous, and powerful states. The fiourishing 
cities of Cincinnati. Pittsburg. Louisville, and St. Louis, 
sprung, as if by enchantment, out of the earth, and the 
enterprise, industry, and activity of the American people 
were exhibited in a career of gigantic improvement that 
excited the admiration of the world. 

In illustration of the rapid advance oi the population o( 
the United States, we shall introduce here the following 
statistical table : — 



09 

C-i 

< 

2c 



< 

a 

il 

7 ^ 



-^ ^ ^ I 



JZ it 



> 



ijts 



f 




. ~ « ~ 2 V r: i: ciS 




i* "^ '^ :0 


• 






~" 


^« 


1 
11 




-l¥ 




1 




t^t^^'^^j; — f^ — — — 
.'*'' c« ^ 5* 5i ^^ 5 ^ o 




*^ ^ "~ 


■j; 


r^ — Ci 


— 




— 


i 9' 


.Si=: 


^ 


- 


;¥ 


, ^ ~ 


— . 




I 


— ^ ?J .-; N 




« '1 


K" 




^ t* rr ^^ o tr t' ri 

— ^ >! .:» o — 

— ■<?;<;« — 


X r 2 
^ ^ i 


t: t s 
~5s . 


• 


C ^. r« ^~ 








, ^- 




.- c. o: (^ >< X — c: r 


.51 


Ji. 

.55- . 


S 


5; X — 








.T 






i 








■11 - 
■— ^ ■ 




■<?■ 

2 ■ -5 






il'' 


i.S| 




. c- o S >t S X S S »i 5 5 


• - • 


^5 


• 


. . . . 








ll# • 


|- . 


I-i^"" -^-.-^'-^ 


— ^- ^ 


»-_=- — 






— "> 


s 
$ 


r~ 1 



• I 






C- 2 



1^ 









II 

X "5 



?: K i 



1 

1 


^ 




i 








2 




1 


SE^sS§xA^.?;>A"^.^.-\*---^A^A^-^---^A=- • ■ • 

S I< ^J li J< .-^_r< -_ ■<- r^- 2 .-; — — •^ S — ... 


5" 

5r_ 






■^ 




- -* t-"? ^- b* rv- 5t it «^ .-; * £ 5 is 'i S ? « 





ii^^EEiegigigil — gS 

^i^i^sHl^^^if ^ ■ • • -^^ 








S2«===5 _s 






CHAPTER XL VI 1 1. 

John Quincy Adams's Administration. — Dispvtcs with Georgia on the 
subject of the Indian lands — Commercial relatiotis of the United States 
— Death of Adains and Jeffnson — Hcrision of the tariff — Proiprss of 
Ama'ican moKufacttircs — Close of J. Q. Adams's administration — 
Andrew Jackson elected president — Kcmorals from office — Affairs of 
the United States Bank — Opposition of the sorithn-n states to the tariff 
— Violent and threatening attitude of South Carolina — The nullifica- 
tion act — Proclamation of the president — 77/6' compromise act — /«- 
dian hostilities — Block Hawk's tear — Jnatrsion of the savages — Battle 
of Bad- Ax river — Capture of Black Hawk — Diffcultieswith the French 
government — Extinction of the national debt — Close of Jackson's ad- 
tnitiistration. 

During the administration of Mr. Adams, a serious diffi- 
culty arose with the state of Georgia on the subject of the In- 
dian lands within that state. The conduct of the Georgians 
toward the Indians was such as to threaten a direct and for- 
cible collision between that state and the federal government. 
Georgia claimed the lands occupied by the Indian tribes, 
and the entire control and authority over them, although 
they occupied their territories by the consent of tlie general 
government, and treaties had been made with them, prom- 
ising them protection, until the terms for their removal 
should be adjusted. Tlie government of Georgia com- 
plained that the Indians did not remove, or were not forci- 
bly removed by the United States. A treaty had been 
obtained, by indirect means, on the part of the Georgians, 
with some of the chiefs of the Creek nation, but which the 
majority of the tribe disapproved. This treaty was annul- 
led by another, made the year following with the proper 
agents of the tribe, and which was ratified by the United 
States' government. This treaty was more favorable to the 
Indians, and gave them time to move, with a promise of 



706 JOHN QUTNCY APAMs's APMIXISTKATION. 

support and protection from the I'nited States. The ex- 
ecutive of Georgia ordereti a survey of the lands occupied 
by the Indians, contrary to the wishes and rights of the 
tribe, and oonnnitted acts of encroachment highly otiensive 
to the Indians. On the appHoation of the injured party,' 
the Unitevi States' troops were ordered to protect them. 
The governor of Georgia, on the other hand, called on the 
militia of the state to resist the United States' troops, and 
atlairs wore a very threatening asjvct. But, owin^ to the 
lirm and prudent measures taken by President Adams, the 
dilticuliies were settkxl without an appeal to arms. The 
subject was laid before congress, and that botiy resolved 
to maintain the authority of the United States against the 
iniconstitutional proceetlings of the government of Georgia. 
The lands were subseijuently vacated peaceably by the 
Indians, tuider the mediation of the federal gvn-ernment, who 
indemnined them for the loss of their territories. They 
removed to the west of tlie Mississippi. 

The commercial relations of the comitry occupied an 
important jv>rtiou of the laK^rs of Mr. Adams's government. 
The relative geographical jx>sition. and the respective pro- 
ducts of nature, cidtivateil by human industry, had con- 
stituted the elements of a connnercial intercourse between 
the United States and British America, insular and conti- 
nental, important to the inhabitants of both comitries. But 
it had been inteuiicted by Great Britain, upon a principle 
heretofore pmctised by the colonizing nations of Europe, 
of holding the trade of their colonies, eacli in exclusive mo- 
nopoly to herself. After the termination of the war of 
lSr2, this interdiction had been revived, and the British 
government declined including this portion of our inter- 
course with her possessions in the negotiation of the con- 
vention of 1S15. The trade was then carried on exclusively 
in British vessels, till the act of congress, concerning navi- 
gation, of ISlS, and the supplejuenial act of 1S20, met tlie 
inteniiot by a corresjxMiding measure on the part of the 
United States, These measures, not of retaliation, but of 
necessary self-ilefenoe. were soon succeeded by an act of 
parliament, opening certain colonial ports to the vessels of 



COMMKKCIAL UELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATKS. — 1825. 707 

tlio United States, coming directly from tlicm, and to the 
importation from tliem of c(;rtain articUis of our produce, 
burdened with heavy duties, and oxchuUng some of lire 
most vahuibic articles of our exports. 

The United States opened their ports to IJritish vessels 
from the colonies, upon terms as exactly eorres|)unding with 
those of the act of parliament, as, in the r«!lativ(! condition 
of the ])arties, could he; made; and a negotiation was com- 
menced, by nmtual consent, with the hope, on our ])art, 
that a reciprocal spirit of accommodation, and a conmioii 
sentiment of the iniporlanee of the tnidc (o (Ik; interests of 
the inhabitants of the two countries, betvv(;en whom it nmst 
be carried on, would nltimately bring the parties to a coirj- 
proniise, with which both might Ix; salisii(;d. With this 
view, the goverinnent of the United States had determined 
to sacrifice something of that entire reciprocity, which, in 
all commercial arrangements willi foreigji powers, llicy ;ire 
entitled to demand, and to aecpiicsce in some inecpialities 
disadvantageous to ourselv(;s, rather than to forc^go iIk; 
benefit of a linal and permanent adjustment of this inter- 
est, to the satisfaction of (jireat liritain herself 'J'he iKJgo- 
tiation, repeatedly suspended by accidental circumstances, 
was, however, by niulual agreement and cxi)ress assent, 
considered as pending, and to be speedily resumed. In ihe 
mean time, another act of parliament, so doubtful and am- 
biguous in its import, as to have been misunderstood by tlu; 
olliccrs in the colonies who were to carry it into execution, 
opened again certain colonial ports, upon new conditions and 
terms, with a threat to close tliem against any nation which 
might not accept those terms as prescribed by the British 
government. 

This act, passed in .h\\y, 1825, — not communicated to the 
government of the United States, not understood by the 
British oiliccrs of the customs in the coloni(!s where it was 
to be enforced, — was, nevertheless, submitted to the consid- 
eration of congress. A negotiation upon the subject had 
long been in progress, and pledges given of its resumption 
at an early day ; but it was deemed expedient to await the 
result of that negotiation, rather than to subscribe implic- 



708 JOHN QUINCY ADAMs's ADMINISTRATION. 

itly to terms, the import of which was not clear, and which 
the British authorities themselves, in this hemisphere, were 
not prepared to explain. 

The year 1820 was signalized by a most remarkable 
event ; the death of the ex-presidents, Adams and Jeffer- 
son, who both expired on the 4th of July, exactly half a 
century from the day ou which tliey put their names to 
the Declaration of Independence. A general mourning 
took place throughout the country. This aflecting occur- 
rence was adverted to by the president, in his next message 
to congress, in the following terms : " Since your last meet- 
ing at this place, the fiftieth auniversary of the day when 
our independence was declared, has been celebrated through- 
out our land ; and on that day, when every heart was bound- 
ing with joy, and every voice was tuned to gratulation, amid 
the blessings of freedom and independence, which the sires 
of a former age had handed down to their children, two of 
the principal actors in that solemn scene, the hand that 
penned the ever-memorable declaration, and the voice that 
sustained it in debate, were, by the summons, at the dis- 
tance of seven hundred miles from each other, called be- 
fore the Judge of all, to account for their deeds done upon 
earth. 

"They departed, cheered by the benedictions of their 
country, to whom they left the inheritance of their fame, 
and the memory of their bright example. If we turn our 
thoughts to the condition of their country, in the contrast 
of the first and last day of that century, how resplendent 
and sublime is the transition from gloom to glory ! Then, 
glancing through the same lapse of time, in the condition 
of the individuals, we see the first day marked with the 
fulness and vigor of youth, in the pledge of their lives, their 
fortunes, and their sacred honor, to the cause of freedom 
and of mankind. And on the last, extended on the bed of 
death, with but sense and sensibility left to breathe a last 
aspiration to Heaven, of blessing iipon their country; may 
Ave not humbly hope that to them too, it was a pledge of 
transition from gloom to glory ; and that while their mor- 
tal vestments were sinking into the clod of the valley, their 



THE TARIFF. 



-1828. 



709 



emancipated spirits were ascending to the bosom of their 
God!" 

The manufactures of the United States were now begin- 
ning to make a most rapid and successful progress. The 
annual value had reached nearly one hundred millions of 
dollars. Many articles of home manufacture had become 
cheaper, more abundant, and of superior quality, since the 
adoption of the tarifi", than before, and the president urged 
on the country the importance of increasing the tariff, par- 




John Q. A Jams. 



ticularly on wool, and woollen goods, fine cotton goods, bar 
iron and hemp. Steps were accordhigly taken to ascertain 
the importance of revising, thoroughly, the tarilf system of 
1824. A committee was appointed, and clothed witli ample 
powers to investigate the subject. Tlie original expecta- 
tion of the committee, under the resolution oflered by them 
to the house, was to have made an expeditious inquiry 
into the situation of one or two manufacturing interests, 
rather to enable them to determine what further protection 
these interests really required, than with the expectation, 
within the limited time which they had' allowed to them- 
60 



710 Jackson's administration. 

selves for the purpose, of being able to collect and report to 
the house a body of evidence upon several important 
branches of our domestic manufactures, so digested and 
arranged as to be of any essential service to the house, or 
to the public, as a source of correct information upon these 
complicated subjects. 

The great importance of a national system, however, was 
so evident, that few doubted the propriety of a new tariif 
for the protection of domestic manufactures. This was 
the all-absorbing business of the session, and the measure 
was efiected in 1S2S. That opposition should be mani- 
fested to any great national change is not surprising ; — it 
would rather surprise us if this were not the case. No such 
change can be made, without atfectiug individual interest. 
But where the great, the permanent interests and perma- 
nent prosperity of the country are at stake, both wisdom 
and duty dictate that the minor interests should give way. 
The balance of trade had been long enough against us. 
Commercial ditiiculties and scarcity of money substan- 
tiate the fact conclusively. To retrace our steps, and take 
an independent stand, was our only safe course ; and this 
was the origin of that scheme of protection which has been 
called the ••American System."' 

President Adams served but one term, and retired from 
office in 1S^29. Andrew Jackson was elected president, 
and John C. Calhoun, vice-president. General Jackson 
commenced his administration by removing from office 
almost all the incumbents who held their places by the 
executive appointment. Those officers were replaced by 
individuals favorable to his administration. So sudden 
and complete a change in the internal government of the 
country had never before been known. 

In the message of President Jackson to congress, in 
1S30, he referred to the Bank of the United States, the 
charter of whicli was to expire in 1S36. He asserted that 
both the constitutionality and expediency of the bank were 
questioned by a large portion of the people, and also stated 
his own opinion that it had failed in the great end of estab- 
lishing a uniform* and sound currency. Xotwiihstandiug 




Andrew Jackson. 




John C. Calhoun, 



I 



712 Jackson's admixistkation. 

this, a bill rechartering the bank was passed by congress 
in 1832. This bill was vetoed by the president, and the 
bank was compelled to close its concerns. 

Tlie year 1S32 was marked by an event which for a 
time threatened the internal repose of the country, and led 
many persons to apprehend a dissolution of the federal 
imion. The taritF imposing duties on imports, had encoun- 
tered strong opposition at the south, particularly in the state 
of South Carolina, where the systemof protecting American 
manufactures was considered injurious to the cotton plant- 
ers in that part of the country. This discontent grew 
stronger every day. till, in 1832. the spirit of opposition to the 
federal government rose to such a pitch, that the legislature 
of South Carolina declared the tarilf laws unconstitutional, 
and therefore passed an act of •* nullification." avowing a de- 
termmation to prevent by force the execution of those laws 
within the state. Tliis miparalleled proceeding caused the 
greatest alarm throughout the comitry. and was in fact 
nothing less tlian a disavowal of the authority of the general 
government. 

These measures and movements on the part of South 
Carolina were promptly met by a proclamation from the 
president of the United States, setting forth his views of the 
nature of the federal compact, the powers and duties of the 
general government, under the constitution, in relation to 
the existing difficulties, and the determination of the exec- 
utive to exercise those powers to their full extent, in en- 
forcing the laws thus nullified, and in maintaining the 
authority thus denied and contemned. Perhaps no docu- 
ment has emanated from the executive department of the 
government, which has been more generally approved, both 
in regard to the style in which it was written, and the 
doctrines it asserted and maintained, since the farewell 
address of the first president. It contains no speculative 
opuiions. no new theories ; it speaks the facts of history in 
the language of the constitution, and in the spirit which 
we of a later generation may suppose animated its framers. 
The limits of our volume forbid the insertion of the docu- 
ment entire, and we must therefore be content with giving 
a brief summary. 



NULLIFICATION VETOED. 1S32. 713 

The proclamation inculcates that the constitution of the 
United States is Ibunded in compact ; that this compact 
derives its obligation from the agreement entered into by 
the people of each of the states, in their political capacity, 
with the people of the other states; that the constitution, 
which is the ofispring of this compact, has its sanction in 
the ratification of the people of the several states, acting in 
the capacity of separate commimities ; that the majority of 
the people of the United States, in the aggregate, have no 
power to alter the constitution, hut that change or amend- 
ment can only be proposed in the mode pointed out in the 
constitution, and can never become obligatory unless rati- 
fied by the people of three fourths of the states through 
their respective legislatures or state conventions ; that, inas- 
much as the sovereign power of the people in each state 
has imparted to the constitution of the United States, and 
the laws made in pursuance thereof, paramount obligation 
over state legislation, or any constitution or form of state 
government, which may be instituted by the people of such 
state — and inasmuch as the people of each state have bound 
themselves, by compact with the rest, to abide by this par- 
amount authority, until changed according to the provisions 
of the constitution so declared to be paramoimt, no consii- 
tution, law or ordinance of any one state is valid to defeat 
the constitution and laws of the United States or to sever 
the mutual obligations which bind the states together ; that, 
in the case of a violation of the constitution of the United 
States, and the usurpation of powers not granted by it, on 
the part of the functionaries of the general government, the 
state governments have a right to interpose to arrest the 
evil, upon the principles Avhich were set forth in the Vir- 
ginia resolutions of 179S, against the alien and sedition 
laws; and, finally, that in extreme cases of oppression 
(every constitutional mode of redress having been sought 
in vain) the right resides with the people of the several 
states, to organize resistance against such oppression, con- 
fiding in a good cause, the favor of Heaven, and the spirit 
of freemen, to vindicate the right. 

Such were the doctrines of the proclamation, and the 
60* 



714 Jackson's administration. 

talented, the wise and the patriotic of every name and party 
came unitedly forward to sustain them. South Carohna 
had never made the attempt in the obvious and constitu- 
tional mode of obtaining the sense of the other states on the 
construction of the federal compact, and amending it if 
necessary ; and now she was compelled to shrink before 
the mighty force of popular opinion. Most happily, the 
storm passed away gradually as it had'^isen — no resist- 
ance was actually made to the enforcement of the laws 
they had nullified, and consecmently no coercive measures 
were necessary, on the part of the general government, to 
maintain its authority. The objectionable laws were some- 
what modified in the session of 1833, by what was termed 
the " compromise act," and South Carolina, though she 
has steadfastly adhered to her theories, has rested since 
apparently satisfied with the compromise. 

In 1832 Andrew Jackson was reelected president, and 
Martin Van Buren was chosen vice-president. The fol- 
lowing year was distinguished by a series of Indian hos- 
tilities, commonly known as " Black Hawk's war," from 
the name of the celebrated Indian chief, who was the leader 
of the savages. Several tribes on the northwestern frontier, 
particularly the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes, had, for a 
considerable time, manifested a restless disposition, and ap- 
peared bent on hostilities. They had taken sides with the 
British in the war of 1812, and given much trouble to the 
Americans. Their intercourse with the British in Canada 
was kept up after th^pcace, and the presents which they 
received every year in tliat quarter, weakened the influence 
exercised over them by the United States. In this state of 
feeling, and with these incitements to war, the Sacs and 
Foxes claimed the right of occupying a part of the country 
upon Rock river, even after it had been sold to the citi- 
zens of the United States, and settled by them. In 1829, 
and 1830, serious difiiculties resulted from their efforts to 
establish themselves in that section, and frequent collisions 
with the inhabitants were the consequence. Representa- 
tions were made to them, and every effort, short of actual 
hostilities, used by the proper officers, to induce them to 



4P?' 



BLACK hawk's WAR. — 1833. 715 

abandon these unfounded pretensions, and to confine them- 
selves to their own country on the west side of the Missis- 
sippi river. These eflbrts were successful with the well- 
disposed portion of the tribes, but were wholly unavailing 
Avith the band known by the name of the " British party." 
In 1831, their aggressions were so serious, and the attitude 
they assumed so formidable, that a considerable detach- 
ment of the army, and of the militia of Illinois, was called 
into the field ; and the disaffected Indians, alarmed by the 
preparations for their chastisement, agreed to reside and 
hunt "upon their own lands west of the Mississippi river," 
and that tliey would not " recross this river to the usual 
place of their residence, nor to any part of their old hunting 
grounds east of the Mississippi, without the express permis- 
sion of the president of the United States, or the governor 
of the state of Illinois." 

This arrangement had scarcely been concluded before a 
flagrant outrage was committed, by a party of these In- 
dians, upon a band of friendly Menomonies, almost under 
the guns of Fort Crawford. Twenty-five persons were 
wantonly murdered, and many wounded, while encamped 
in the village of Prairie du Chien, and resting in fancied 
security upon our soil and under our flag. If an act like 
this had been suftered to pass uimoticed and unpunished, a 
war between these tribes would have been the consequence, 
in which our frontiers would have been involved, and the 
character and influence of the government would have been 
lost in the opinion of the Indians. Apprehensive, from the 
course of events already stated, and from other circum- 
stances, that the disaffected band of Sacs and Foxes would 
again harass and disturb the settlements upon our bor- 
ders, and determined that the murderers of the Menomonies 
should be surrendered or taken, the department ordered 
General Atkinson, on the 7th of March, 1832, to ascend 
the Mississippi with the disposable regular troops at Jef- 
ferson barracks; and to strengthen the frontiers, orders 
were given for the reoccupation of Chicago. 

The demand for the surrender of the Menomonie mur- 
derers was entirely disregarded ; and the " British party" of 



716 Jackson's administration. 

the Sacs and Foxes recrossed the Mississippi, and, assuming 
a liostile attitude, estabhshed themselves upon Rock river. 
On the 14th of May, near Dixon's Ferry, on Rock river, a 
small party of Indians was seen displaying a white flag. 
It was approached by a company of militia, to ascertain its 
intentions. The Indians receded, for the purpose of draw- 
ing the whites into an ambuscade. This induced the com- 
manding officer to fall back ; but another officer and his 
company came up, passed the retreating party, and pursued 
the enemy. The Indians now showed a superior force, 
turned and attacked the militia, and repulsed the whites 
with considerable loss. Fifty-two men were lost. The 
Indians continued their warfare, and many defenceless 
families were massacred on the frontier of Illinois. A 
party of seven or eight, with the Indian agent, St. Vrain, 
while attempting to effect a passage from Galena to the head 
quarters of the force under General Atkinson, at Dixon's 
Ferry, was attacked by a superior force of Indians, and 
nearly all, including the agent, killed. The whole country 
was infested by small parties of Indians, who suddenly fell 
on the unsuspecting whites, whom they murdered. 

On the 14th of June, five American citizens were killed 
about five miles below Hamilton's fort. On the 16th, a 
citizen was killed about half a mile from the same place. 
General Dodge, with twenty-nine of his mounted men, 
went in immediate pursuit ; and, after going about three 
miles, discovered the murderers — eleven in number — but 
did not overtake them until they crossed the East Pich-e- 
ton-e-ka, and entered an almost impenetrable sAvamp. At 
the edge of the swamp the men were ordered to dismount 
and link horses ; four men were left in charge of the horses, 
and four were posted around the swamp, on high ground, 
to observe the motions of the enemy ; the remainder, twenty- 
one, advanced into the swamp, about half a mile ; when 
they received the fire of the Indians, at the distance of 
about thirty feet, by which three of our men fell, severely 
wounded. Orders were instantly given to charge ; but, as 
the Indians lay under the bank of a slough, they were 
concealed till our party was within six or eight feet of 



BLACK hawk's WAR. 1833. 717 

them, when the whites immediately fired. The whole 
hostile party was killed and scalped within one or two 
minutes, excepting one, who attempted to make his escape 
by swimming the slough, but was shot down on the oppo- 
site bank. Though few were engaged in this bloody 
transaction, it was conducted with much gallantry, and 
entitles General Dodge and his brave associates to the 
highest credit. A few such examples strike terror into 
the hearts of the Indians. On the same day. a party of 
Indians was attacked by Captain Snyder, near Kellogg's 
Grove, and defeated, with the loss of four ; — one of Captain 
Snyder's company was mortally wounded. On his return, 
he halted near a small stream of water, and was fired upon 
by a body of Indians, who lay concealed : two of his men 
were killed, and one mortally wounded. The company 
was immediately formed, and retreated in good order 
before a superior force of the Indians. 

On the 18th of June, a bloody engagement took place 
between a small party of Americans, commanded by Cap- 
tain Stevenson, and a superior party of the Indians, on 
Apple Creek. The combatants came into such close quar- 
ters during this engagement, as to be constrained to use 
the bayonet and butcher's knife. On the 24th, a large 
body of Indians made an attack on the fort at Buifalo 
Grove, situated on Rock river, about twelve miles north 
of Dixon's Ferry, and fifty-five miles from Galena. The 
fort was defended by about one hundred and fifty militia, 
wlio kept the Indians at bay. until their ammunition was 
nearly expended. In tbis critical situation, an ofiicer of the 
fort, who had been Avounded in the firing, made his way 
out, and went in quest of reinforcements of men and arms. 
He either went to Rock river, where General Atkinson 
was, and there procured the aid he had gone to seek, or 
met a detaclunent, under Colonel Posey, proceeding to the 
fort; this latter body marched on, drove off" the Indians, 
and relieved the garrison. The number of killed and 
wounded; on either side, was not ascertained. Sixteen 
Indians were known to have been killed. An express, 
consisting of four persons, sent from Galena, was attacked 



718 Jackson's administration. 

when near the fort on Apple river, twelve miles from 
Galena, and immediately retreated. One man was wounded 
by a shot m the thigh, before he reached the fort ; another 
was killed, after gaining cover. One other man was also 
wounded in the fort. This party of Indians was repulsed 
by the garrison, consisting of thirty men under the com- 
mand of Captain Stone, but succeeded in carrying off all 
the horses, cattle, hogs, and two yokes of working steers ; 
they also destroyed all the movables that were found in 
the houses around the fort, but left the buildings iminjured. 

Major Dement, at Kellogg's Grove, receiving information 
that traces of Indians were plainly discernible in that im- 
mediate neighborhood, called for twenty or thirty volun- 
teers to accompany him to reconnoitre the neighborhood. 
In a short time he came upon the enemy, whose force was 
too formidable to be resisted by so small a number. Being 
too far advanced to make good his retreat, he lost some of 
his party before the arrival of the remainder of his com- 
pany, after which a considerable skirmish ensued ; but, 
owing to the refractory and unmanageable temper of the 
horses, occasioned by the clash of arms and the Indian 
yell, it was found impracticable to form a line ; yet, under 
all these disadvantages, a number of Indians were killed. 
Major Dement lost five men, and about twenty horses, 
killed, in the battle. Nine Indians were found on the field. 

General Henry, with his brigade, accompanied by Gen- 
eral Dodge, with a battalion of Michigan volunteers, was 
detached by General Atkinson, in pursuit of the Sacs and 
Foxes, under Black Hawk. They succeeded, by forced 
marches, in coming up with him, on the bank of the Wis- 
consin, opposite to the Blue Mounds, on the evening of the 
21st of July. An attack was immediately made on the 
Indians, which resulted in their defeat, with a loss of about 
forty men killed, on the part of the enemy, and a much 
larger number wounded ; as the Indians were seen, during 
the action, bearing a great number of them oft' the field. 
The loss, on our part, was trifling, amounting to one man 
killed, and eight wounded. Night coming on, our troops 
being exceedingly fatigued, having marched forty miles 



BLACK hawk's WAR. 1833. 719 

that day, no pursuit could be attempted. Thus the enemy- 
was saved from entire destruction. Black Hawk passed 
over to an island in the Wisconsin, to which place he had 
sent his women. Generals Henry and Dodge remained on 
the ground the succeeding day and night, and part of the 
next day, being unable to renew the attack, in consequence 
of the entire absence of boats and canoes, or the means of 
constructing rafts to cross to the island. Generals Henry 
and Dodge marched to the Blue Mounds, on the evening of 
the 23d, for a supply of provisions, where they were joined 
by General Atkinson, with the regular troops and part of 
General Alexander's brigade. 

Black Hawk lost two hundred warriors in the different 
skirmishes, before the battle with General Dodge. Many 
of those who embarked in canoes were lost in consequence 
of bad canoes and sinking; a considerable number passed 
down the Mississippi unobserved, through the fogs. Others 
of those that embarked on the Wisconsin, and remained 
behind, applied to the Winnebagoes to come with them and 
surrender to the whites. 

A portion of the tribes of the Sacs and Foxes directed 
their flight to the Mississippi, under the orders of Black 
Hawk. This party first encountered the steamboat War- 
rior, about forty miles above Prairie du Chien. The 
Indians showed two white flags, declared they were Win- 
nebagoes, and endeavored, by signs and otherwise, to bring 
about a landing of the boat. About one hundred and fifty 
showed themselves without arms on the bank, while many 
others in their rear were observed running back and forth, 
and preparing their arms for use. In the boat were fifteen 
soldiers and six volunteers, three passengers, besides the 
crew of the boat. Two discharged soldiers from St. Peters 
had also been taken up, on the passage down, by the boat. 
The interpreter, besides being apparently much frightened, 
did not truly state the replies of the Indians. The battle 
commenced with a discharge from a six-pounder, which 
was instantaneously returned by the Indians from above 
and below, along the shore, when the boat was anchored. 
After the two first fires from the cannon and the musketry, 



720 JACKSON S ADMINISTRATIOX. 

the whites were compelled to watch for the smoke of the 
enemy's gmis to give their fire, as the Indians had com- 
pletely concealed themselves behind the trees and logs 
which were found on the place. The Indians fired very 
badly; their fire lasted long enough to average thirteen 
cartridges, and but one white man was wounded, and only 
about fifty balls hit the boat. It was ascertained, by a 
prisoner after the battle, that twenty-three or twenty-five 
were killed. This little fight delayed the Indians in their 
crossing very considerably, and, but for the want of wood, 
must have entirely prevented it until the coming up of the 
main army. The boat, on its return next niornuig, was 
fired into again, and the fire returned until the army was 
discovered on the land where the Indians had been on the 
previous night. 

The whole army under General Atkinson, embracing the 
brigades commanded bv Generals llenrv. Posev, and Alex- 
ander, and a squadron under tlie command of General 
Dodge, all crossed to the north side of the Wisconsin, at 
Helena, on the 2Sth and 29th of July. They took up a line 
of march in a northerly direction, in order to intersect the 
Indian trail. At the distance of about five miles the great 
trail was discovered, leading, in a direction north of west, to- 
wards the Mississippi, and supposed to be about four days 
old. General Atkinson, seeing the direction of the enemy, 
knew well that it would require all diligence and expedition 
to overtake them before they would cross the Mississippi, 
and hence commenced from that time a forced march; leav- 
ing all the baggage wagons, and everything else which 
was calculated to retard the pursuit. The country through 
which the enemy's trail led our army, between the Wiscon- 
sin blufis and the Kickapoo river, was one contiiuied series 
of mountauis. Xo sooner had they reached the summit of 
one high and almost perpendicular hill, than they had to de- 
scend on the other side, equally steep, to the base of another. 
Nothing but a deep ravine, with muddy banks, separated 
these momitains. The woods, both upon the top of the 
highest mountains and at the bottom of the deepest hol- 
lows, was of the heaviest growth. The under bushes were 



BLACK hawk's WAR. 1833. 721 

chiefly thorn and prickly ash. This is a short description 
of the route, and shows the difficulties of the pursuit. Not- 
withstanding all this, our army gained on the enemy daily, 
as appeared from the enemy's encampmeiUs. The tedious 
march thus continued w^as endured by our brave troops 
w^ithout a murmur ; and, as the Indian signs appeared more 
recent, the officers and men appeared more anxious to pro- 
ceed. 

On the fifth day of the march, the 2d of August, near 
Bad-ax river, one of the scouts announced the enemy. In- 
telligence was quickly conveyed to all the commanders of 
the brigades, and the celerity of the march was instantly 
increased. In a few minutes more the firing commenced, 
about five hundred yards ahead of the front of the army, 
between the scouts and the Indian picket guard. The In- 
dians were driven from hill to hill, and kept up a tolerably 
brisk firing from every situation commanding the ground ; 
but, being charged and routed from their hiding places, 
they sought safety by retreating to the main body on the 
bank of the river, and joined in one general effort to defend 
themselves there or die on the ground. Lest some might 
escape by retreating up or down the river, Atkinson or- 
dered Alexander and Posey to form the right wing of the 
army, and march down to the river above the Indian en- 
campment on the bank, and then move down. Henry 
formed the left wing, and marched in the main trail of the 
enemy. The infantry and Dodge's squadron of the mhiing 
troops marched in the centre. With this order the whole 
force descended the almost perpendicular bluff", and came 
into a low valley, heavily timbered, with a large growth 
of under brush, weeds, and grass. Sloughs, deep ravines, 
and old logs, were so plentiful, as to afford every facility 
for the enemy to make a strong defence. Hen ry first com- 
menced a heavy fire, which was returned by the enemy. 
The enemy, being routed from their first h ding places, 
sought others. General Dodge's squadron ani the United 
States' troops soon came into action, and, with Henry's 
men, rushed into the strong defiles of the enemy, and killed 
all in their way, except a few who succeeded in swimming 
61 



722 



JACKSON S APMIMSTKATION. 



a slousrh ol the Mississippi, one hundred and fit'ty yaids 
wide. During this time, the brigades ol" Alexander and 
Posey were marehing down the river, when they fell in 
with another part ot" the enemy's army, and killed and 
routed all that opposed them. The battle lasted upwards 
of three hours. About tit'ty ot" the enemy's women and 
children were taken prisoners, and many were kilKxl in the 
battle. 




li";';: ■,;,' .4,'vj/<A':i',< r. .".',"•; 



/;;,:.; !Lrr\. 



When the Indians were driven to i)»,e bank ot" the Mis- 
sissippi, some huudriHls ol' men, Wv^men. and children, 
plunged into the river, and hojxHl. by diving, to esca[>e the 
bnllets. Very tew, however, escaped our siiarpshooters. 

The loss on the side ol" the enemy never can be exactly 
aseertaineii. but, according to the best computation, they 
nmst have lost, in killed, upwards ol" one hundred and titty. 
Our loss in killed and wounded was twenty-seven. 

Black Hawk, while the battle waxetl warm, stole off, 
and went up the river. He took nothing with him : tor his 
valuables, together with certilicates ofgoixi chai-acter. and 
of his having l"ought bravely ag:iiust the I'uited Slates dur- 
ing the last war. signed by British olfioers. were found on 
tlie battle ground. 

The savages, after this defeat, became convinced of the 



JU,ACK hawk's WAK. 1S33. 723 

impossibility of contendinii M-itli success agauisi tlic Amer- 
ican arms. They otrorcil no lurihcr st'iioiis resistance, 
and ti\o war was soon alter closed hy tlu' capture of IJlack 
liawk, who was delivertnl up to tlie American connnander, 
on the 27tli of August, by two ^\'inuebau^)es. He was 
well treated, and carrieil in trinnipli throui>li a great part 
of the Ihiitcd iStatcs, after which he was permitted to re- 
turn to his own ])eopli\ 

During the year 1S;>;?, PresiiUnit Jackson removed the pub- 
lic tieposits iVom the IJaidv of the United States, cm his own 
authority. This measure caused great excitement through- 
out the coimtry. 'I'iie seiuite of the United States passed 
a resolution declaring tlial, by this act, the presiilent had 
exceeded his constitutional authority. 

About this time the United Slates became involved in 
dilliculties witli the l-'rench government, Avbich soon as- 
sumed a threatening character, and hostihties between tlie 
two countries were seriously apprehended. On the 4tli of 
July, 1831, a trenty had been coiu'luded at Paris, by which 
France stipnlatetl to pay the United States twenty-live mil- 
lions of francs as an indenmity for spoliations upon Ameri- 
cau commerce, conunitted under Naiwleon's l>erlinan<l Milan 
decrees. When the tirst instalment became due, it was found 
that the French goveriuneiil had made no appropriation of 
money to pay it. and tlie bill drawn lor this sum by the 
Ignited States, was dishonored at tlie frtaieb exchequer. 
This M'as a most inexcusable jiroceeding on the part of the 
French, who even ju'actised further delays in tlu^ matter, 
and allowed several years to pass by without making any 
j)rovision lor tlie pay men I cW' the money. The president 
laid the subject before congress, and eonmiented upon the 
proceeding in such leitns as gave great olfcnce to the 
French govermn(>nt. At liMiglh the j)resident assumed a 
liiffber tone, and, in a message to congress, recommended 
reprisals upon b^'renrb conuutn'ce. There was a general 
apprehension that a war with France woidd be the result, 
and Mr. Livingston. tlit> American minister at Paris, left 
that place, as the French government had signilied its in- 
tention to withhold the payment of the money, until some 



724 Jackson's administration. 

explanation had been given, of what they chose to consider 
oflensive language in the president's message. 

It was indeed a time and an occasion to excite universal 
interest; and though, as is always to be expected, a con- 
siderable diversity of opinion existed among the people, on 
the probability of a war, in relation to the expediency and 
proprie y of adopting the measures recommended by the 
preside it, yet there was a general agreement that some- 
thing sliOuld be done. The partisans of the president, as 
was to be expected, were united in favor of the measures 
he had recommended, and many of the leading members of 
the opp >sition, with a feeling alike honorable to their pat- 
riotism and liberality, united with them. All agreed that 
our claims on France should be insisted on, and that any 
aggression should be met with firmness and unity on the 
part of the American people, even to the last extremity. 

The subject occupied almost exclusively the attention 
of congress for several weeks. Numerous schemes and 
arrangements for national defence were considered and 
discussed, and for a time Avar seemed almost inevitable. 
Happily, however, a resort to hostile measures Avas 
avoided; and even the offered mediation of the English 
government, to adjust and arrange the difficulties, Avas by 
subsequent events rendered unnecessary. Another mes- 
sage on the subject was issued by the president. The 
French king declared himself satisfied with its explana- 
tions; arrangements Avere promptly made for the payment 
of the indemnity; diplomatic intercourse w-as reneAved, and 
satisfactory and honorable relations betAveen the tAA''o coun- 
tries AA'^ere again established. 

During Jackson's administration, the public debt of the 
United States Avas Avholly paid off. The policy of extin- 
guishing it by annual payments had been first adopted by 
President Monroe, twenty years before. President Jackson 
retired from office in March, 1S37, at a time Avhen the 
affairs of the country AA^ore the most flattering aspect. The 
cessation of the national bank had caused an infinity of 
small banks to start into existence. The circulating me- 
dium of the country was increased to a most enormous 



DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCE. 1836. 



725 



extent ; the unprecedented plenty of money augmented to 
an unparalleled degree, the amount of foreign importations, 
and led to over-trading and speculation, which at first wore 
the appearance of })rosperity, but soon resulted in a great 
commercial catastrophe. 




CHAPTER XLIX. 

Van Buren's Administration. — State of trade in the United States — 
Commercial disasters of 1837 — Florida ivar — Massacres hy the Scmi- 
noles — Catastrophe of Major Dade's party — Fate of Osceola — Disas- 
trous character of the Florida war — Battle of Okee-cho-bee — Close of 
hostilities — Insurrcctio7i in Canada — The American sympathizers — 
Occupation of Navy Island — Affair of the steamboat Caroline — Arrest 
and trial of McLeod — William Henry Harrison elected president — 
His sudden death, and obsequies — Accession q/" John Tyler to the presi- 
dency — Dispute with Great Britain, concerning the northeastern boun- 
dary — Final adjustment of the affairs by the treaty of Washington — 
Great festival of the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument — Conclu- 
sion. 

Martin Van Buren was elected president in 1836, and 
Richard M. Johnson, vice-president. Mr. Van Bnren was 
a close adherent of General Jackson, and pnblicly avowed 
his determination to pursue the policy of his predecessor. 
In following out this design, he denounced the banks, and 
represented them as the cause of all the evils that had 
afflicted the country- It was his declared object to intro- 
duce a specie currency, especially in all concerns relating 
to the government. He repeatedly declared it to be his 
purpose to separate the government from the people, and 
so to administer his authority that trade and the monetary 
affairs of the country should not require the attention of 
the national rulers. 

The commencement of Mr. Van Buren's administration 
was marked by the occurrence of the most extensive and 
overwhelming commercial disasters ever recorded in the 
history of the United States. When the national funds 
were withdrawn from the United States Bank, they were 
deposited in various state banks in most of the large and 
populous cities of the Union. These institutions were 



COMMERCIAL DISASTERS. 1837. 727 

denominated "pet banks," and, by making a most liberal 
use of the cash consigned to their keeping, reahzed immense 
profits. Many of them were most imprndently managed, 
and large sums were thereby lost to the treasury. But 
this was not the main cause of the disasters which ensued. 
The immense number of small banks which started up, on 
the discontinuance of the United States Bank, augmented 
the amount of paper money to such a degree that, in con- 
sequence of the facilities thus afforded for obtaining bank 
loans, the whole trading population of the United States 
rushed into a mad and desperate career of over-trading 
and speculation, which speedily led to the most disastrous 
results. In the spring of 1837, the mercantile affairs of the 
country received a sudden shock, which was felt from one 
extremity of the Union to the other. All the banks through- 
out the country suspended specie payment. The bank- 
ruptcies and financial embarrassments which ensued, 
surpassed anything of the kind that had ever been known 
in the country. All classes of people were affected alike, 
and the national treasury suffered in common with the 
poorest artisan. During the preceding year, the revenue 
of the United States had been so abundant, that, after 
defraying all the public expenses, an act of congress was 
passed distributing the surplus among the different states 
of the Union. This act was partly carried into effect, but, 
in the financial crisis of 1837, the revenue declined to such 
an extent, that it was found necessary to repeal the distri- 
bution act. A new system of administering the financial 
concerns of the country was introduced by Mr. Van Buren, 
under the name of the sub-treasury. 

During the presidency of Mr, Van Buren, another disas- 
ter befel the United States, by the occurrence of a war 
with the savages of Florida, which continued for several 
years, and entailed an expense of many millions upon the 
national treasury. 

The Seminoles, a tribe of Indians who inhabited a great 
portion of Florida, dissatisfied with the United States for 
urging their removal, had begun to show symptoms of hos- 
tility during the summer of 1835, They put to death those 



728 VAN buren's administration. 

chiefs who were in favor of emigration, and murdered a 
mail-carrier, within six miles of Fort Brook, Tampa Bay. 
These indications of hostility caused General Clinch, the 
commander of the United States' troops in Florida, in con- 
junction with General Call, who commanded a brigade of 
Florida volunteers, to go in pursuit of the Indians, and, if 
possible, terminate the difficulties by a decisive blow. They 
were obliged to cross the Withlacouchee, on the 31st of De- 
cember, 1835, in a single canoe, instead of finding a good 
ford, as their guide had promised them. The regulars and 
about half the volunteers had reached the opposite shore, 
when a deadly fire was poured into the corps, from a force 
of nearly three times their number, who were sheltered by 
a swamp. The rest of the volunteers preferred viewing 
the battle from their safe station on the farther side of the 
river, nor could General Call induce them to aid their com- 
panions. After an hour's hard fighting, and three gallant 
charges into the swamp, the savages fled in every direction. 
Immediately after the result of this battle was known, 
the feelings of the whole country were shocked by the in- 
telligence of two dreadful catastrophes, which happened 
three days previous to the battle on the Withlacouchee. 
On the 28 til December, a house at Camp King, within two 
hundred and fifty yards of the block house, was attacked 
by Indians, and General Wiley Thompson, the Indian 
agent, and several other persons were killed by a volley of 
a himdred muskets fired through the windows. The same 
day, a few hours earlier, a detachment of one hundred and 
twelve men, under the command of Major Dade, on their 
march from Tampa Bay to Fort King, found themselves 
surrounded by a body of Indians, five times their number, 
and, after a defence as desperate as that at Thermopylae, all 
were destroyed except three of the private soldiers, who, 
dreadfully wounded as they were, crawled back to Fort 
Brook, being unable to stand on their feet. The Indian 
force had not been estimated at its actual strength, and the 
whole country became exposed to their depredations and 
outrages, the United States' troops in the territory being too 
few and scattered to afford any effectual protection. The 



FLORIDA WAR. 1837. 729 

plantations were abandoned to be pillaged by the savages, 
and the inhabitants scarcely felt secnre in the towns. Even 
St. Augustine was considered liable to an attack. 

Osceola, a Seminole chief, or Powell, as he was some- 
times called, the master-spirit of these movements, had 
been in the habit of visiting Fort Brook frequently during 
the two years previous to taking up arms, and had been 
allowed to drill with the men, no suspicion being felt of his 
ulterior designs. On his manifesting a disinclination to 
emigrate, Wiley Thompson had handcuffed him, and kept 
him confined for a short time, which outrage he revenged 
by the attack at Camp King. He made a boast, at the 
commencement of hostilities, that " the Seminoles would 
keep the United States at bay for six years f^ and, improb- 
able as the prediction seemed when made, it has been 
verified, though its author did not live to exult in it. 
Osceola came into Fort Peyton under the protection of the 
white flag which was displayed by General Jessup, was 
seized by his order, October 21st, 1837, and sent to Fort 
Moultrie, Charleston harbor. South Carolina, where he 
died in prison, January 30th, 1838, a victim, as was sup- 
posed, of violated national faith. 

It is impossible, in the limits of this chapter, to give 
even a brief list of the events of this disastrous war — a war 
derogatory to the character of the country in its origin, and 
deplorable in the amount of suffering endured, both by the 
Indians and white men, in its prosecution. Great numbers 
of brave officers and soldiers have laid down their lives in 
the course of it, without the satisfaction of knowing that 
they were fighting on the right side. There is nothing to 
sustain the spirits of brave men when they feel that defeat 
is disgrace, and victory a triumph only of wrong over 
right — of the strong over the helpless. One of the last 
regular battles, and one of the most successful, took place 
on the 0-kee-cho-bee, in the southern part of Florida, on 
the 2.5th of December, 1837. The United States' troops 
were commanded by General Taylor, and the rout of the 
Indians was complete. In this engagement fell the brave 
Alexander R. Thompson, Lieutenant Colonel of the 6th 



730 



VAN BIKEN S ADMINISTRATION. 



infantry as he led his resiraent forward to charge the ham- 
mock where the Indians were lying concealed. Covered 
with wounds, he still cheered on his men, until his voice 
was stilled by death. 

The war in Florida lasted during the whole term of 
Mr. Van Buren's continuance in otiice, but the details of it 
would not artord the slightest instruction or entertainment 
to the reader. After an enormous expenditure of money, 
and the loss of a great number of valuable lives, the Indians 
were linally subdued. 

The northern frontier of the United States was agitated 
by serious disturbances in IS37. and the three following 
years, in consequence of the revolutionary movements of 
the Canadians. A party having grown up in Canada, who 




were dissartected to the British government, and clam- 
oring for independence, many persons, on the American 
side of the lines, in Vermont and New York, suffered their 
feelings to be enlisted in favor of the "Canadian Patriots," 
as they were styled, and most improperly formed secret 
associations, which they called •* Hunters" Lodges." for the 
purpose of aiding the patriots in achieving their indepen- 
dence. These men assumed the name of •• sympathizers.'* 
In furtherance of this scheme, a band of adventurers took 
possession of >'avy Island, which contains about three him- 



AFFAIK OF THE CAROLINE. 1S37. 731 

tired aiid fifty acres of land, and is situated in Niagara 
river, about two miles above tlie falls. It was so strongly 
fortitied as to resist the attacks made upon it by Sir Francis 
Head, the British connnander. Governor ]\Iarcy. ot' New 
York, issued a proclamation enjoining strict neutrality 
upon the people on the frontier. In spite of this warning, 
liowever, arms and annnimition were purchased, or stolen 
from arsenals; even tield-piecos were carried oft' in the 
night, and sent to the lines, in aid of the patriots. The 
forces on Xavy Island tired upon the opposite ranadian 
shore, and boats were blown out of the water by the force 
of their shot. The occupants of the island, who were 
about seven hundred, were abundontly supplied with pro- 
visions, and furnished with twenty pieces of artillery. 

This daring step produced the greatest excitement among 
the British authorities. A steamboat, named the Caroline, 
plied between Xavy Island and Schlosser, a small town on 
the American side, a short distance above the falls, carry- 
ing passengers. It commenced running on the morning of 
the 29th of December. 1S37. and. on tlie evening of the 
same day. a party of one hundred and tifty armed men. in 
five boats, with mutiled oars, went from the Canada side 
to Schlosser, drove the people who were on board the Car- 
oline ashore, cut her loose from the wharf, and. sotting her 
on fire, sent her over the cataract. In the allair one man 
was killed, and rumor said that one or more were left in 
the boat when she was destroyed. The most intense feel- 
ing was excited upon the subject. The body of the man 
killed was taken to Buflalo. and it seemed almost impos- 
sible to restrain the populace. The town was tilled with 
armed men, and a brigade of miliiia Avas summoned to 
meet tliere. 

In October. 1S40. Alexander McLeod, a resident of Up- 
per Canada, was arrested and committed to jail at Lock- 
port, New York, on the charge of murder, as having been 
one of the party who destroyed the Caroline. The British 
government remonstrated, through their minister, against 
making McLeod answerable for an act in which, if he par- 
ticipated, he was only executing the commands of a 



'32 



VAX BUBKN S ADMIXISTRATIOX. 



superior oiiicer. Noiwithstaudiug this, he was removed to 
Uiica. and confined there until his trial, which took place 
in October, 1S41, when, having proved au aUbi. lie was set 
at liberty. Both countries were thus relieved Irom an 
embarrassing situation. 

When tlie news of the occupation of Navy Island by 
American citizens reached Washington. President Van Bu- 




ren issued a proclamation, aimomicing tliat all persons who 
should compromit the neutrality of the sovenimeut. by 
interieriug. m an imlawful manner, with the aliairs of the 
ueigliboring British provinces, would render themselves 
liable to arrest and punishment under the laws of the Uni- 
ted States, which would be rigidly enforced : and also that 
they would receive no aid or countenance from their gov- 
ernment, into whatever ditiiculties they might be thrown 
by the violation of the laws of their country, and of the 
territory of a iieighK>ruig friendly nation. The insurrec- 
tion in Canada, however, was soon suppressed, and Navy 
Island was evacuated on the 13th of January. 1S3S. and the 
British liag was again hoisted on the 15th. Immediately 
on landing. Tan Rensselaer, the leader of the expedition, 
was arrested, and bailed to appear at the next term of the 
Cnited States District Court. 



ELECTION OF HARRISON. 1S40. 



733 



Although the party at this time in power liad avowed 
themselves hostile to the policy of internal improvements at 
the expense of the federal government, yet they judged lit to 
expend large sums for repairs on the Cumberland road, and 
for its continuance through the states of Indiana and Illi- 
nois. But this was an object of great national benetit, by 
opening a way from the Atlantic to the interior of the Union, 
and the work had originated with congress several years 
before. The friends of the administration, who were also 
the advocates of state rights, believed that there was no 
mconsistency in this conduct. Large appropriations were 
made, in 1S36. for light-houses and other purposes for the 
benetit of commerce, on which subject there was alwaj's 
far more agreement among the ditierent parties in con- 
gress. The public expenses had continued constantly to 
augment from the year 1S29. Public otiicers were multi- 
plied, and an increased compensation M^as in many cases 
allowed them for their services. The revenue at length 
became inadequate to the annual expenses of the govern- 
ment, and it was found necessary to supply the deficit by 
issuing treasury notes. 




William H. Harrison. 

In 1S40, General William Henry Harrison was elected 
62 



734 Harrison's administration. 

president, and John Tyler vice-president. General Har- 
rison, since the close of the war of 1812, had lived mostly 
in retirement, but was called to the office of chief magis- 
trate of the nation by a large majority of the electoral votes, 
and the general voice of the country. In his inaugural 
address, on the 4th of March, 1841, he entered at large into 
an exposition of the political principles which he proposed 
to take for his guide in the administration of the govern- 
ment. He declared his intention to serve but a single term, 
and spoke in terms of reprobation of the too connnon prac- 
tice of office-holders distinguishing themselves as active 
partisans at elections. Daniel Webster was appointed 
secretary of state, and the president issued a proclamation 
convening congress for an extra session on the 1st of June. 
The main object of this measure was to devise some means 
to remedy the embarrassments of the country, which arose 
from the unsettled state of the currency. 

While the people of the United States were looking for- 
ward with hope and confidence at the prospect of a general 
improvement in their affairs, in consequence of this change 
in the government, they were suddenly plunged into the 
deepest grief by the death of their chief magistrate. Presi- 
dent Harrison, whose health had been for some time feeble, 
began to experience, shortly after his induction into office, 
the severe effects of so sudden a transition from the quiet 
repose of his farm, to the harassing labors and constant 
excitements of public life. His constitution received a 
severe shock, and he sunk under it, after having been presi- 
dent of the United States for one month. He died on the 
3d of April, 1841. Since the death of Washington, the 
decease of no public officer ever caused such general and 
sincere sorrow. General Harrison was no less esteemed 
for the services he had rendered the country in war, than 
for the honest frankness of his character. He had devoted 
the prime of his life to the service of the nation at a criti- 
cal period, and sought only to spend the remainder of his 
days in unostentatious quiet, when the general confidence 
of the people of the United States in his integrity and pat- 
riotism, drew him from his retirement and placed him at the 



DEATH OF HARRISON. 1841. 735 

head of the government. The death of such a man could 
not fail to be felt as an irreparable public loss. No president 
had ever before died in office, and, in all the chief cities of 
the United States, a day was set apart for funeral solemnities. 

The body of the president was at first deposited in a 
tomb at Washington, where a public funeral was held, and 
the city shrouded in mourning. The people of Ohio, how- 
ever, were desirous of possessing the mortal remains of a 
man whose labors and services had from his earliest youth 
been devoted to their welfare. A deputation of their citi- 
zens proceeded to Washington, and obtained leave to trans- 
port the body of General Harrison to his home at North 
Bend. It was accordingly transferred thither, under a mili- 
tary escort, and deposited in a splendid sarcophagus fur- 
nished by the citizens of Washington. This was laid in 
the earth, under a natural mound, on which is to be erected 
a lofty obelisk, which will be visible to all who navigate the 
Ohio. 

We shall add a description of the funeral solemnities at 
Boston, on the 29th of April. The whole city was in 
mourning. Flags and banners, shrouded in black, were 
thrown across the streets, and numerous banners were 
hung from buildings in various parts of the city. The 
shipping was also generally dressed in mourning. 

A procession was formed at the City Hall, at ten o'clock, 
which contained some ten thousand persons, and, after 
marching through several of the public streets, proceeded to 
Fanueil Hall, where the audience were addressed by the 
Honorable Rufus Choate. The procession was escorted by 
twenty independent companies. Following these were the 
members of the city government, officers of the state and 
United States government, officers of the army, navy, 
foreign consuls, clergy, «fcc. Next followed the various 
societies of Boston — then sixteen companies of the fire 
department — the members of the ward associations and 
citizens generally, arranged by their respective wards, and 
under the direction of marshals. The scholars of the six- 
teen public schools, under the charge of their teachers, were 
drawn up in two lines in Beacon street mall, through which 



736 Harrison's administration. 

the entire procession passed. The galleries of Fanueil Hall 
were dressed in black — and the room, being darkened and 
hghted with gas, had a very solqmn effect. Mr. Choate 
finished his eulogy at twenty minutes past three o'clock. 

The orator commenced by remarking upon the peculiar 
circumstances which characterized the present bereavement. 
" It was not the first time," said he, " that the whole people 
had been called to mourn for the loss of a national benefac- 
tor ; but yet there was somewhat in the present bereavement 
which bestowed upon it a pathos all its own. Others had 
died when their race was run ; they had gone down, at the 
close of a long and cloudless day, and with a star undimmed 
in glory, to the house appointed for all the earth. Such 
was the death of Adams, of Jefferson, of Madison, of 
Monroe — of our sainted, adopted father, Washington — the 
splendor and beauty of whose earthly life have now put on 
the garments of immortality. 

" But to-day we deplore the unfinished career and the 
unperfected fame of one whose loss implants a feeling, in 
the universal heart, of disappointment and sorrow — sorrow 
that a good man is taken away from us — disappointment 
that a patriot is not permitted to fulfil the duties he was 
called upon to perform." 

The orator next referred to the life of Harrison, gliding 
away, like his own Ohio, calm, pure, and serene — to his 
eminently social virtues — to his affection for the old and 
well-tried wife of his bosom — "not yet, thank God, quite 
houseless" — and to those qualities which endeared him to 
his friends and acquaintances in a way not so common as 
to be unworthy of notice. He did not believe that there 
was an American heart — no, not one — v^^hich, on the acces- 
sion of General Harrison to the presidency, did not bid him 
"God Speed" on his way; there was not one who did not 
mourn, as we have mourned, that he has fallen so prema- 
turely for us, if not so prematurely for himself. 

The orator next touched upon the services of the 
deceased president. He recounted the birth, education, 
and early life of Harrison. " His breath was first drawn 
upon the soil of Virginia eminent for her great men ; his 



Tyler's administration. — i84i. 737 

father was one of those great men ; his own first commis- 
sion in the army was received from the hands of Washing- 
ton himself At an early age he left his father's halls, to 
seek his fortune in an almost untried state; he became 
identified with the West. For her he fought — her interests 
he defended — her sons he inspired — her daughters he pro- 
tected — until he had established so firm a hold upon her 
affections that now half a million swords would leap from 
their scabbards, to avenge the slightest imputation upon 
his memory. 

"And he was gone ! Before one leaf of the transcendent 
garland which circled his brow had withered — before a 
single light, which flashed into brightness at his approach, 
had dimmed — before a guest had departed from the halls 
to which a nation's voice had called him — he had gone ! 
In the ripeness of his years and the fruition of his glory, he 
had calmly extended his hand to the urn, and drawn out 
his lot from among the lots assigned to humanity. 

' After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.' 

" But it was his pure and good heart which chiefly 
attracted towards him the aflections of the people. We 
shall speak of him to our children as the good president — 
a title, homely as it may be, yet far better than that, to 
obtain which, monarchs have waded through seas of blood." 

The vice-president, John Tyler, became the chief magis- 
trate on the death of President Harrison. It was, at first, 
a subject of dispute, whether, according to the constitution, 
Mr. Tyler was justified in assuming the title, along with 
the authority, of president. Some persons contended that 
his proper title should continue to be that of vice-presi- 
dent ; others maintained that he should be styled "acting 
president." This point was settled by congress, at the 
extra session, who decided that he should be styled Presi- 
dent. It is probable that this decision will remain as a 
precedent for future contingencies of the same nature. 

Mr. Tyler, in his message to congress, urged the neces- 
sity of a general bankrupt law, which was accordingly 
passed. But this law was repealed the next year. The 
62* 



73S 



TYLER S ADMINISTRATION. 



Other schemes, however, lor the remedying the pecimiary 
einbarrassmeuts of the comitry. all failed. The plans for 
a national bank and a fiscal agent, which were projected 
by the cabinet, and approved by congress, were defeated 
by the veto of the president. This occasioned a violent 
disruption in the party tliat had hitherto supported Mr. 
Tyler, and all the members of the cabinet resigned their 
odices except Mr. Webster. 




During a long course of years, negotiations had been 
carried on between the American and British governments, 
respecting the nonheasiern Ixiundary of Maine, The 
British claimed a large jx">rtion of territory in the north part 
of that state, which had always been regarded by the 
Americans as belonging to the United States. Although 
the limits had been fixeti bv the treatv of 17S3, vet, owing 
to the unexplored condition of that wilderness at the time, 
the language of the treaty did not conform exactly to the 
geograpliical features of the country, and. in consequence, 
involved the subject in some obscurity. This was farther 
augmented by the contradictory character of many of the 
maps winch had been subsequently pubUslied. The con- 



Bl'NKER HILL MONIMEXT. — 1S43. 739 

trorersy had, many years before, been referred to the king 
of the Netherlands, who, after examination, was nnable to 
decide upon the meanhig of the treaty, and suggested a 
compromise by dividing the disputed territory. The Brit- 
ish government were wilUng to adjust the matter this way, 
but the government of the United States had no power to 
abandon tlieir claim to the territory, except upon the prin- 
ciple that it never belonged to them. The states of Maine 
and Massachusetts were the owners of the land in ques- 
tion, and. without their consent, no part ot' it could be gi^-^n 
up as a compromise. After a tedious course of nego- 
tiations, and repeated mdications of hostilities between the 
inhabitants of the borders of New Brunswick and Maine, 
the affair was finally settled in 1S42. ]\Iassachusetts and 
Mame appointed commissioners, with full power to make 
terms for the cession oi' such part of the land as might be 
necessary. The British govermnent appointed Lord Ash- 
burton a special minister to this comitry, for the purpose of 
negotiating a treaty ; and Mr. Webster, secretary of state, 
after full conferences with these limctionaries, at length 
succeeded in concluding a treaty, satisfactory to all parties. 
By this treafy, the northern portion of the land in dispute 
was ceded to Great Britain, and the United States received 
indemnities in the acquisition of other territory on the 
northern border of New Hampshire. Vermont, and New 
York, and the free navigation of the river St, Johns. The 
treaty was considered as very advantageous to the United 
Slates. 

We may close this history very properly by a short 
account of the celebration of the completion of the Bunker 
Hill monument. That great public work, after having 
been subjected to many delays, was, at length, finished 
during the year 1842 ; and it was judged desirable that the 
event should be solemnized by some appropriate ceremo- 
nies at the next anniversary of the battle. Mr. Webster 
was reqnested to deliver an address on the occasion, and 
consented. On the 17th of June, 1S43, an immense multi- 
tude of people assembled from all parts of the United 
States, to witness this imposing festival. The president of 



740 



Tyler's administration. 



the United States, the members of the cabinet, and great 
numbers of the surviving soldiers of the revohition were 
present. A procession was formed on Boston common, and 
marched through the principal streets of the city and 
Charlestown, to Bunker Hill, where, in front of the monu- 
ment, they listened to the oration of Mr. Webster, which 




Daniel Webster. 

displayed a degree of eloquence and feeling that placed it 
among his happiest efforts. The celebration was closed by 
a public dinner at Faneuil Hall, and nothing occurred to 
mar the beauty of this grand spectacle — the most imposing 
of its kind, perhaps, ever witnessed in the United States. 

The presidential election of 1844 was conducted with great 
zeal ; the two parties were in a high state of political excite- 
ment. The candidates supported by one party were, Henry 
Clay, of Kentucky, for President, and Theodore Frelinghuy- 
sen, of New-Jersey, for Vice President ; the other supported 
James K. Polk, of Tennessee, for President, and George M. 
Dallas, of Pennsylvania, for Vice President ; the two latter 
were successful, to hold their office for the term of four years 
from the 4th of March, 1845. 



APPENDIX. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

When, in the course of human events, it becomes neces- 
sary for one people to dissolve the political bands which 
have connected them with another, and to assume, among 
the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to 
which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, 
a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that 
they should declare the causes which impel them to the 
separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are 
created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator 
with certain unalienable rights ; that among these are life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure 
these rights, govenmieiits are instituted among men, deriv- 
ing their just powers from the consent of the governed; 
and that, whenever any form of government becomes 
destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to 
alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying 
its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers 
in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect 
their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate 
that governments, long established, should not be changed 
for light and transient causes ; and, accordingly, all expe- 
rience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to 
suffer, while evils are sulferable, than to right themselves 
by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 



742 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing 
invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them 
under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, 
to throw off such government, and to provide new guards 
for their future security. Such has been the patient suf- 
ferance of the colonies, and such is now the necessity 
which constrains them to alter their former systems of 
government. The history of the present king of Great 
Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, 
all having, in direct object, the establishment of an abso- 
lute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be 
submitted to a candid world : 

He has refused his assent to laAVs the most wholesome 
and necessary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immedi- 
ate and pressing importance unless suspended in their 
operations till his assent should be obtained ; and, when 
so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation 
of large districts of people, unless those people would 
relinquish the right of representation in the legislature ; a 
right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, 
uncomfortable, and distant from the repository of their 
public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into 
compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for 
opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights 
of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, 
to cause others to be elected ; whereby tlie legislative pow- 
ers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people 
at large for their exercise ; the state remaining, in the mean 
time, exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, 
and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these 
states; for that purpose obstructing the laws of naturaliza- 
tion of foreigners, refusing to pass others to encourage their 
migration thither, and raising the conditions of new appro- 
priations of lands. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 743 

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refus- 
ing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the 
tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of 
their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent 
hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out 
their substance. 

He has kept among us, in time of peace, standing 
armies, without the consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, 
and superior to, the civil power. 

He has combined with others, to subject us to a jurisdic- 
tion foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by 
our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended 
legislation. 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us : 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment 
for any murders which they should commit on the inhabi- 
tants of these states : 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world : 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent: 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefit of trial 
by jury : 

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended 
offences : 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a 
neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary 
government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it 
at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the 
same absolute rule into these colonies : 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most val- 
uable laws, and altering, fundamentally, the forms of our 
governments : 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring 
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all 
cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out 
of his protection, and waging war against us. 



744 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt 
our towns, and destroyed the hves of our people. 

He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign 
mercenaries to complete the Avorks of death, desolation, 
and tyranny, already begun, with circumstances of cruelty 
and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, 
and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on 
the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become 
the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall 
themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and 
has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers 
the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of war- 
fare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, 
and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned 
for redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated peti- 
tions have been answered only by repeated injury. A 
prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which 
may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British 
brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of 
the attempts, by tlieir legislature, to extend an unwarrant- 
able jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the 
circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We 
have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, 
and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common 
kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevi- 
tably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They, 
too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consan- 
guinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity 
which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we 
hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace, friends. 

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States 
of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to 
the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our 
intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the 
good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 



745 



that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, 
free and independent States ; that they are absolved from 
all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political 
connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, 
and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as free and 
independent States, they have full power to levy war, con- 
clude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to 
do all other acts and things which independent States may 
of right do. And, for the support of this declaration, with 
a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we 
mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and 
our sacred honor. 

JOHN HANCOCK. 



New Hampshire, 
JOSIAH BARTLETT, 
WILLIAM WHIPPLE, 
MATTHEW THORNTON. 

Massachusetts Bay. 

SAMUEL ADAMS, 
JOHN ADAMS, 
ROBERT TREAT PAINE, 
ELBRIDGE GERRY. 

Rhode Island. 
STEPHEN HOPKINS, 
WILLIAM ELLERY. 

Connecticut. 
ROGER SHERMAN, 
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, 
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, 
OLIVER WOLCOTT. 

New York. 
WILLIAM FLOYD, 
PHILIP LIVINGSTON, 
FRANCIS LEWIS, 
LEWIS MORRIS. 

New Jersey. 
RICHARD STOCKTON, 
JOHN WITHERSPOON, 
FRANCIS HOPKINSON, 
JOHN HART, 
ABRAHAM CLARK. 

Pennsylvania. 

ROBERT MORRIS, 
BENJAMIN RUSH, 
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 
JOHN MORTON, 
GEORGE CLYMER, 
JAMES SMITH, 

63 



GEORGE TAIXOR, 
JAMES WILSON, 
GEORGE ROSS. 

Delaware. 

CESAR RODNEY, 
GEORGE READ, 
THOMAS M'KEAN. 

Maryland. 

SAMUEL CHASE, 
WILLIAM PACA, 
THOMAS STONE, 
CHARLES CARROLL, of Carrol- 
ton. 

Virginia. 

GEORGE WYTHE, 
RICHARD HENRY LEE, 
THOMAS JEFFERSON, 
BENJAMIN HARRISON, 
THOMAS NELSON, Jr., 
FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, 
CARTER BRAXTON. 

North Carolina. 
WILLIAM HOOPER, 
JOSEPH HEWES, 
JOHN PENN. 

South Carolina. 
EDWARD RUTLEDGE, 
THOMAS HEYWARD, Jh., 
THOMAS LYNCH, Jr., 
ARTHUR MIDDLETON. 

Georgia. 

BUTTON GWINNETT, 
LYMAN HALL, 
GEORGE WALTON. 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

[extracted from garden.] 



It would be an unpardonable dereliction of duty, did I 
neglect to mention the services of several naval officers, 
who, even from the very earliest period of the revolution- 
ary struggle for independence, gave strong indication and 
flattering presage of that superior skill and spirit of enter- 
prise, that have in later times so highly exalted the repu- 
tation of the American marine. The ,field for encomium 
is extensive, — the opportunities for bestowing praise far 
greater than could have been expected, at a moment when 
the overwhelming power of the British navy appeared to 
render every effort to resist it chimerical. The first trump 
of war, however, appears to have been the signal for energy 
and active enterprise, calling into exertion whatever the 
ardent impulses of patriotism could suggest as beneficial 
to the public weal ; for, while the enemy still held their 
post at Boston, even in the harbor itself, in view of, and 
frequently under the very guns of the men-of-war, achieve- 
ments of bold and hardy daring were accomplished, that. 
Britons, with all their boast of superiority on the ocean, 
would have been proud to add to the chronicles of their 
Naval History. I shall select a few instances in support 
of my assertion, and could, with great facility, many 
others, did I not regard the proofs brought forward as 
amply sufficient. 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 747 

Captain Manly. — At the mouth of the port of Boston, 
and frequently in full view of the British fleet, Captain 
Manly made many prizes. I would particularly mention 
a store ship bound in, which had on board a thirteen-inch 
brass mortar, several pieces of brass cannon, several thou- 
sand small arms, and a complete assortment of ordnance 
stores and laboratory utensils. He took, at the same time, 
an armed sloop, serving her as a tender; and, shortly aftei, 
another fine ship and a snow of considerable value. The 
spirit of enterprise encouraged by success, he sailed in the 
privateer Hancock, on a cruise, and falling in with His 
Britannic Majesty's sloop of war Fox, compelled her to 
surrender. Some time after this, commanding the privateer 
Jason, he was attacked by two British privateers, the one 
of eighteen, the other of ten guns. He reserved his fire till 
he came close upon them ; ran his vessel betwixt the two, 
and by a well-directed broadside, fired into each, compelled 
them both to strike their colors and surrender. The Ameri- 
cans had already learnt to fire with deliberation and effect. 
Short as the contest was, the larger privateer lost thirty of 
her crew. 



Captain Harraden, of the privateer Pickering, of sixteen 
guns, cruising near Sandy Hook, fell in with a ship of 
fourteen guns, a brig of ten, and a sloop of eight guns, 
and, after an action of one hour and a half, captured the 
whole. In the same cruise, he captured, also, the Pomona 
of twelve, the sloop of war Hope of fourteen, and Royal 
George, cutter, of fourteen guns. 



Captain Geddes, in the Holker privateer, did incalcula- 
ble mischief to the British trade. But changing into the 
Congress letter of marque, of Philadelphia, mounting 
twenty guns, he encountered and captured His Britannic 
Majesty's sloop of war Savage, of the same force. 



748 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Paul Jones, sailing in the Ranger, with despatches to 
our minister at the French court, fell in with and took 
two valuable prizes on his passage; and, having quickly 
prepared his vessel for a cruise, entered the Irish channel, 
landed, and spiked a battery of thirty-six cannon at White- 
haven ; he encountered, and, after a severe action, took 
the Drake sloop of war, and, after an absence of twenty- 
eight days, returned to Brest with two hundred prisoners. 
His activity giving great increase to his reputation, he was 
appointed to the command of a small squadron, and sailed 
from France with the hope of intercepting the Baltic fleet 
returning to England. During his cruise he made many 
valuable captures, and spread great alarm on the British 
coast, threatening a descent, and exciting great alarm both 
at Leith and Hull ; and at length, falling in with the fleet 
which he sought, fought an action of such desperate 
severity, that history aflbrds no parallel to it. In the 
Bonne Homme Richard, of forty guns, he compelled the 
Serapis, of forty-four, to strike, and took possession of her 
at the moment that his own ship sunk at her side, being 
so shattered by the obstinacy and long continuance of the 
conflict, that time was not allowed for the removal of the 
wounded, who had barely time to see the flag of their 
country floating triumphantly above that of their enemy, 
before they sunk into eternity. 



Captain Barry. — While the British were in possession 
of Philadelphia, Barry, with the boats of the Alliance 
frigate, which lay considerably higher up, passed the city 
with mutfled oars, and proceeding down the river, near 
Port Penn, surprised and captured a British schooner of 
ten guns, and four large transports, without the loss of a 
man. 

In the year 1781, while on a cruise in the Alliance, he 
took the Alert of ten guns, the Mars of twenty, and one 
hundred and twelve men, the Minerva often guns and fifty- 
five men, and heroically closed his victories by capturing 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 749 

two men-of-war sent out for the express purpose of destroy- 
ing him. In the conflict he was very severely wounded ; 
but increasing the efforts of his men by his animating 
example and harangues, the Atalanta of twenty guns and 
one hundred. and thirty men, and Trepassay of fourteen 
guns and eighty men, were compelled to surrender. 



Captain Barney. — I have received from a friend in Bal- 
timore a slcetch of the life and achievements of -this meri- 
torious officer, that is highly worthy of attention, and 
replete with occurrences that could not fail to gratify every 
American patriot ; but, as they chiefly relate to deeds of 
gallantry that have taken place at a later period, I must 
content myself, at present, with mentioning the action in 
the revolutionary war, that in the greatest degree exalted 
his reputation. I M^juld, however, previously mention to 
his honor, that he was the first man who displayed the 
American flag in Maryland, beating up for volunteers to 
join the expedition under Commodore Hopkins, intended 
against New Providence, and with such success, as to 
engage a crew for the Hornet, the vessel to which he was 
attached, in a single day. Great, indeed, was the variety 
of service in which he was engaged, and as fluctuating his 
successes and his misfortunes, — a captive to-day, — to-mor- 
row he triumphed in the arms of victory; but, in all 
situations, and under every change, however eventful, sup- 
ported a character of unblemished honor, and of an intre- 
• pidity that could not be exceeded. 

Early in the spring of 1782, the state of Pennsylvania, 
fitting out some small vessels to protect the Delaware Bay 
against the depredations of the refugee barges, fitted out at 
New York, appointed him to the command of a small ship, 
mounting sixteen six-pounders, and carrying one hundred 
and ten men, called the Hyder Ally. In this vessel, giv- 
ing convoy to a fleet proceeding down the bay, he came to 
anchor near Cape May, waiting for a wind, that the ves- 
sels under his charge might proceed to sea, his instructions 
63* 



760 ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



A 



confining him to the special object of protecting them 
against the refugee boats. Two suspicions ships and a 
brig making towards him, he ordered the convoy, by 
signal, to proceed up the bay, which they did so success- 
fully, that one only, which unfortunately grounded, fell 
into the hands of the enemy. There are two channels up 
the bay. One of the ships and the brig followed closely 
in that which he had entered ; the other ship (a frigate) 
took the second, with the intention of heading him, and 
cutting off every means of escape. The brig first ap- 
proached him, fired her broadside, and pressed forward in 
pursuit of the convoy. The ship then advanced within 
pistol shot; a well-directed broadside from the Hyder Ally 
caused no abatement in the vis;or of her attack. She 
closed, and came very near on board. The Hyder Ally 
then crossed her hawse, and got entangled in her fore-rig- 
ging, and raking her by a continual fire of great guns and 
small arms, after a severe contest of twenty-six minutes, 
brought down her colors. His prize proved to be the 
General Monk, mounting twenty guus, nine pounders, and 
one hundred and thirty-six men, commanded by Captain 
Rogers. She lost, in killed and wounded, fifty-three men, — 
twenty killed. Among the latter, were the first lieutenant, 
master, purser, doctor, boatswain, and gunner ; among the 
Avounded, the captain, and every other officer", (one mid- 
shipman excepted.) The Hj'der Ally had four men killed 
and eleven Avounded. The legislature of Pennsylvania, in 
testimony of their admiration of his gallantry, presented 
him with a gold-hilted sword, by the hands of the governor 
of the state. The prize was purchased by the general gov- 
ernment, and Barney had the happiness to be informed by 
his friend, Robert Morris, that, having added her to the 
navy of the United States, he was unanimously appointed 
to command her. 

I will mention particularly but one other naval combat 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 761 

Captain Biddle, in the Randolph, in one cruise from 
Charleston, took the True Briton, of twenty guns, and 
three other Jamaica men. But sailing a second time from 
that port, with a detachment of fifty men of the first 
South Carolina Continental Regiment, who served as ma- 
rines, he fell in with, and in the darkness of the night, 
engaged the Yarmouth, a two decker of sixty-four guns. 
The contest was short; the Randolph hlew up, and of her 
crew, — three hundred and fifteen persons, — four only, 
who were taken up some days after on a piece of the 
wreck, escaped. Carolina lost several of her gallant sons, 
and particularly lamented Captain Joor, and the lieuten- 
ants Gray and Simmons. 



Yankee Captain. — Till the last hour that the British 
kept possession of New York, independent of the custom- 
house forms, they obliged the captains of American vessels, 
bringing in articles for sale, to dance attendance, in many 
instances, for days together, seeking passports to prevent 
detention by the guard-ships. An unfortunate Yankee, 
who had sold his notions, and was impatient to depart, 
having been repeatedly put off with frivolous excuses, and 
bid to "call again," indignantly exclaimed, "Well, I vow, 
for a beaten people, you are the most saucy that I ever 
met with." "Make out that fellow's passport immedi- 
ately," said the superintendent to an officiating clerk, "and 
get rid of him." 



Exchange of Shells. — The enmity of the contending 
armies, during the siege of Charleston, was not confined to 
open hostility, but manifested itself in the indulgence of 
irony, too pointed not to give increase to mutual animosity. 
Towards the conclusion of it, the British, believing that 
the fare of the garrison was both indifferent and scanty, a 
thirteen-inch shell was thrown from their lines, which 



752 ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

passing immediately over the Horn Work, manned by 
a detachment of the Ancient Battahon of Artillery, of 
Charleston, fell into a morass immediately in the rear, 
without exploding. An officer of that corps who saw it 
lodge, approaching it after some time, perceived a folded 
paper attached to it, directed "To the Yankee Officers in 
Charleston;'' the contents of which expressed a wish, 
" that, in their known state of starvation, they would accept 
from a compassionate enemy a supply of the necessaries 
they most delighted in. The shell was filled with rice and 
molasses. To return the compliment, a shell was imme- 
diately filled with hog's lard and brimstone, and thrown 
into the British works, accompanied by a note, expressing 
thanks for the present received, and begging that the arti- 
cles returned by a considerate enemy might be appropri- 
ated to the use of the Scotch gentlemen in the camp, to 
whom, as they were always of consequence, they might 
now prove peculiarly acceptable. It was understood after 
the siege, that the note was received, but not with that 
good humor that might have been expected, had it been 
considered as dijeii d'esprit resulting from justifiable retali- 
ation. 



Remarkable Incident. — A very singular occurrence took 
place during the siege of Augusta, to the truth of which 
many living witnesses can give testimony. Two outlaws, 
distinguished by the enormity of their offences, were taken 
and condemned to die. An executioner could not be 
found. Every soldier in the army shrunk with abhorrence 
from the office. It was at length determined that the one 
deemed the least guilty should receive a pardon, on the 
condition of serving as hangman, while his companion 
paid the penalty of his crimes. The terms were accepted, 
and the most atrocious culprit turned oft'. He, however, 
who was pardoned, had little time for triumph, for his part 
was scarcely performed before a four-pound shot, from the 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 763 

enemy's battery, struck him on the breast, and laid him 
dead at the side of the man who had been executed. 



An uninvited Guest. — During the siege of Yorktown, 
Baron Steuben giving a breakfast to several of the field 
officers of the army, in the course of the entertainment, 
while festivity was at its height, and in anticipation of 
the honors which awaited them, mirth and good humor 
abounded, a shell from the enemy fell into the centre of 
the circle formed by his guests. There was no time for 
retreat; to fall prostrate on the earth afforded the only 
chance of escape ; every individual stretched himself at his 
length; the shell burst with tremendous explosion, cover- 
ing the whole party with mud and dirt, which rather 
proved a source of merriment than serious concern, since 
none of the party sustained any farther inconvenience. 



While the administration of Great Britain were carrying 
on the war with ruthless severity, it appears to have been 
a constant object with them, to cherish the acknowledged 
prejudices of the sovereign against his American subjects. 
That their effort was crowned with success, cannot be 
doubted, for such was the abhorrence of the king to every 
invention deemed xlmerican, that he ordered the sharp 
conductors, recommended by Dr. Franklin, to be removed 
from Buckingham House, and blunt ones to be substituted 
in their place. On this occasion the following pointed epi- 
gram appeared in one of the morning prints : 

" "While yoa, great George, for knowledge hunt, 
And sharp conductors change for blunt, 

The nation's out of joint ; 
Franklin a wiser scheme pursues, 
And all your thunder heedless views, 

By sticking to the point." 

But in genuine point, and happy allusion to the propen- 



754 ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAK. 

sities of the monarch, no hnes were offered to the public 
more severe than those which follow : 

"In eastern kingdoms, oft the weakest man, 
With idiot councils, rules the grave Divan. 
Nor there alone of late such wonders rest, 
But reach the confines of the enlightened west ; 
Where some dull leader, fixed, by partial fate, 
Now turns a button, — now o'erturns a state ; 
Now for his boys a whistle carves in wood, 
Or signs a warrant for a nation's blood. 
The place of kings, thus toymen's pupils take. 
And wield the sceptre they were born to make. 
Turn, cruel Pinchbeck,* lengthen yet thy score, 
And turn thy monarch at one corkscrew more ; 
Lest England's sons a game like thine should play, 
Nor keep the workmen thou hast turned away." 



It is a tribute of justice due to our allies, the French, to 
state, that, during our revolutionary struggle for freedom, 
they invariably endeavored to harmonize with our citizens, 
relinquishing, on most occasions, with distinguished polite- 
ness, their own modes and prejudices, to conform them- 
selves to the habits and customs of America. They did 
indeed carry their desire to please and conciliate to such an 
extent, that I remember, on one occasion, a French officer 
being asked by General M'Intosh, (presiding at a court 
martial, and desirous to administer an oath, that his evi- 
dence should be given with impartiality,) "of what reli- 
gion he was," replied readily, "The American, sir;" think- 
ing, undoubtedly, that it was a duty to conform as much 
.as possible to the religious opinions of the people in whose 
cause he had drawn his sword. And this appears the 
more probable, for time being allowed for reflection, and 
the question varied, by substituting what faith^ instead of 
what religion, he exclaimed, ^'■C'est bien tine mitre affaire, 
Roman CathoUque Apostolique, mon general?^ 

* Pmchbeck was a toyman, and manufacturer of every species of knick 
knack. 



ANECDOTES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 755 

It is needless to speak of their bravery. They were 
Frenchmen, and enthusiastically attached to the opinions 
imbibed in favor of liberty and republicanism. Their 
intrepidity was exemplary, and gave them daily new 
claims to the admiration and gratitude of the people, 
whose rights and properties they had pledged themselves 
to defend. To bring forward the examples that might be 
produced of the valor of individuals, would be to extend 
my volume far beyond the limits prescribed ; and in nam- 
ing one, I might offend multitudes. Yet, there is a charm 
in gallantry, when displayed in early youth, which is 
attended with irresistible fascinations ; and at a risk, I will 
subject myself to the imputation of partiality, rather than 
pass over a few selected incidents that appear to have a 
peculiar claim to applause. 



Baron de Carendeffez. — At the siege of York, the 
young Baron de Carendeffez, now an inhabitant of our 
city, then about the age of fifteen, was sent into the maga- 
zine to distribute ammunition for the use of the French 
artillery, and while seated on a barrel of poAvder, saw a 
shell from the enemy fall within two feet of his position. 
The soldiers who were in the battery, expecting immediate 
explosion, ran off in every direction. The intrepid youth 
remained unmoved. The expected catastrophe, however, 
did not follow, — the fuse of the shell was, in its flight, 
extinguished. This being perceived by the fugitives, the 
battery was immediately reoccupied, when Captain Lem- 
ery, the commanding officer, addressing himself to the 
youth, said, "You young rogue, why did you not fly the 
impending danger? Why not embrace a chance for 
life?" "Because, captain," he heroically replied, "my 
duty required that I should make a distribution of ammu- 
nition, and not desert my post, and fly like a poltroon !" 



^ 



LU%'?9 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




010 546 154 9 



1'; ;')♦) 



iMtri'iji.jJiJ 








^•( '5'!;! ' M-^'' • 



':5 



•. .::1*<:;t' 






